India vs Pakistan, World Cup: MakeMyTrip's 'horrible' ad draws flak
A controversial ad by MakeMyTrip and Homestays & Villas offering discounts based on Pakistan's performance has sparked both criticism and sarcastic reactions
Ahead of the India versus Pakistan ICC World Cup 2023 match, a front-page advertisement by MakeMyTrip has left cricket fans disappointed.
Both the unsettling advertisement and the response from Homestays & Villas were slammed for their poor choice of words
The ad's opening line reads, "AN OPEN INVITATION TO PAKISTANI FANS." Following a brief introduction, it says, "If Pakistan loses by: 10 wickets or 200 runs, get 50% off. Use code: BoysPlayedWell. 6 wickets or 100 runs, get 30% off. Use code: EkShaheenHaar. 3 wickets or 50 runs, get 10% off. Use code: NoMaukaMauka."
Numerous users on X (formerly Twitter) shared images of the ad, echoing the sentiment of an individual who tweeted a photo with the caption, "What a terrible ad. We are not a sporting nation! A sparring nation."
Clarification
In a social media post, Hotel aggregator Homestays & Villas distanced itself from the controversial advertisement, blaming MakeMyTrip for the error.
They made their stand clear by saying, “We have no affiliation with this absolutely disgraceful advertisement published by MakeMyTrip."
Homestays & Villas also clarified their policy, asserting, "Our country comes first before any business, and we do not serve our properties to Pakistani citizens."
Reactions
The post triggered a mix of humorous reactions and criticisms from netizens. One user sarcastically commented, “Yes, the country comes first… what's there that offends our countrymen? We're playfully teasing our neighbours while offering some discounts.”
The user continued, “Are Pakistanis on Mars now? They're in India, residing in our hotels, aren't they?"
Both the unsettling advertisement and the response from Homestays & Villas were slammed for their poor choice of words.
One user highlighted the discounts offered exclusively when Pakistan loses, saying, “It's quite amusing how the discounts are applicable only if Pakistan loses. It's a subtle taunt."
Another user expressed, “It's a perfect example of how not to treat visitors from another nation!" A comment suggested, “Isn't it a sarcastic message to support India now that the match is inevitable?"
Amid negative reactions, former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag backed the ad.
