![IND vs SA promo receives backlash [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1771500662209_INDvsSApromoreceivesbacklash.jpg?type=hq)
IND vs SA promo receives backlash [Source: X]
The T20 World Cup 2026 is under full swing, and just ahead of the Super Eight fixtures, the official broadcasters and media partners of the event have found themselves deep into the dirty water.
Promotional advertisements to build up hype around an event are always welcomed by fans and spectators alike, but if it is centred around stereotyping a cricket team and derogatorily punching them down disguised as a ‘fun’ promotional act, the internet will not take it lightly.
Why Fans Aggressively Slammed India-South Africa Promo?
Star Sports, the official broadcast partner of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, has been brutally criticised amid a fan backlash over a 30-second promo for the Super 8 match between India and South Africa on February 22 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
As India prepares to face group-toppers South Africa, who are seeking redemption after the T20 World Cup 2024 final, the ad shows a popular Indian YouTuber taunting a caricatured South African counterpart over the last piece of cupcake, symbolising the trophy South Africa missed two years back because of their ‘choking’.
Notably, India won the 2024 final by seven runs, highlighted by Suryakumar Yadav's stunning catch at the boundary line. The ad stressed that symbolism, suggesting India would continue to beat the so-called “chokers” South Africa again and again to hype the promotion.
Star Sports Gets ‘Cringe’ Tag After Derogatory Advertising
Star Sports also released an advertisement starring YouTube sensation Fukra Insaan, in which he interacted with his Pakistan counterpart while hyping up the India vs Pakistan group stage clash on February 15.
While that advertisement did not receive as severe a backlash, the India–South Africa promo was labelled cringe by netizens, with both Indian and South African fans criticising the broadcasters for their poor brand imaging choice.
Notably, the advertisement has since been removed by Star Sports, with the audiovisual no longer running across TV channels or online streaming platforms or even on their social media handles.
Also Read: T20 World Cup Schedule Super 8 Matches, Qualified Teams, Standings and Points Table
Let’s take a look at how netizens reacted to the promotional video for India vs South Africa:
India vs South Africa Super 8: What’s At Stake?
India and South Africa are set to face each other in their first Super 8 clash on Sunday, February 22. India have been unbeaten in the tournament so far, winning all four of their group stage matches against USA, Namibia, Pakistan, and the Netherlands.
South Africa, too, remains unbeaten, delivering strong performances against Canada, Afghanistan, New Zealand, and UAE.
With both teams on a strong run, it will be an interesting contest, as the Super 8 stage offers only three matches to secure a semi-final spot. From the three matches in each group, the top two teams will progress to the semi-finals.
If a team fails to win at least two games, they will not qualify for the semi-final. Hence, this riveting clash, though sparked by controversial advertising, promises to be a thrilling encounter with a high-stakes rivalry on the line.
Also Read: Vaibhav Suryavanshi's Father Reveals Why He Skipped 10th Board Exams
