Ahead of India-Pakistan clash at the ICC World Cup 2019, the rivalry with our neighbor nation has come to the surface. Hilarious memes tend to trend whenever both the cricket teams are set to lock horns on the field.
A Pakistani TV channel, however, took the friendly banter way too far as it shared an advertisement mocking Wing Commander Abhinandan.
Abhinandan Varthaman was held captive by Pakistan after his aircraft was shot down in an aerial dogfight after the Balakot Strike in February 2019. A video of Abhinandan sipping tea from a cup and talking to the Pakistan officials went viral on social media.
In the video, Abhinandan denied sharing any unnecessary information about himself with the officers. He is seen politely saying “I’m sorry, I am not supposed to tell you this” in the video a couple of times.
In the advertisement, the whole scenario of Abhinandan’s viral video is recreated. His lookalike sips tea from a cup and repeats Abhinandan’s viral statement when asked questions like, ‘Who are the playing XI in India’s team’ and ‘What will be the strategy of the team if they win the toss’.
Jazz TV advt on #CWC19 takes the Indo-Pak air duel to new level. It uses the air duel over Nowshera and Wing Co Abhinandan Varthaman's issue as a prop. @IAF_MCC @thetribunechd @SpokespersonMoD @DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/30v4H6MOpU
— Ajay Banerjee ਅਜੈ ਬੈਨਰਜੀ (@ajaynewsman) June 11, 2019
Abhinandan’s stay in Pakistan and his return to India has been an emotional episode for Indians. Desi Twitter could not take the light-hearted ad lightly which resulted in a furious outrage online.
It is an obvious burn expected from Pakistan. Our hero Abhinandan beat the shit out of your rented F16. You forgot to include that in your sasta Ad. Anyway, 16th June is near. Get ready to cry dumbos. #indiavspak #ICCWorldCup2019 #IndianCricketTeam
— Acancsha (Memedemic) (@bhatallion) June 11, 2019
https://twitter.com/zamugam/status/1138367191248711680
Shameless Pakistani media
— priyabrat sankhua (@priyabratsankhu) June 11, 2019
Enjoy the cup of tea.. We will enjoy the word cup
— Rahul🇮🇳®️ (@R_kumar85) June 11, 2019
Pakistanis on Twitter –
Making fun of #Abhinandan Pakistanis in Real life –
Hey Allah !!
kuch bhi kar par 16 june ko barish karwa de😭😭😭#PKMKB#abhinandan— Prity Singh (@pritsi2101) June 11, 2019
Pakistan Admits the only Cup they can win is this 'Tea Cup' #Abhinandan #MoukaMouka pic.twitter.com/rPvTfZS7hz
— Truth Seeker (@hellopravi) June 11, 2019
To all the Indians angry at the disgraceful Pakistani ad:
Don't worry, this ad will come to bite them on 16th June. Just wait and watch. #Abhinandan
— Breaking News India (@NewsLetterIndia) June 11, 2019
#Abhinandan 🙏
Dear Indians, don't bother, we are way above them.They have to stoop so low to feel good about themselves.
And remember, INDIA has never lost to Pakistan in World Cup. (1992-2015) pic.twitter.com/AsuNGZ86gb
— Shraddha singh (@shraddha_singh7) June 11, 2019
Shameful for Pakistan to mock our hero #Abhinandan ahead of #INDvsPAK World Cup cricket game. We need to retaliate! pic.twitter.com/BQcLxyQPvH
— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) June 11, 2019
Mocking diplomatic tensions to promote cricket matches is certainly not cool! Grow up ad-makers!