Pakistan’s WC ad featuring Abhinandan leaves Indians fuming

Tribune Web Desk 
Chandigarh, June 11 

A Pakistani advertisement on World Cup 2019 that features a look-alike of IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has not gone down well with the Indian Twitterati. 

The 33-second advertisement shown on Pakistan’s Jazz Tv channel shows Abhinandan’s look-alike sipping tea. The advertisement revolves around the IAF pilot, who was held in captivity with Pakistani authorities, after his MiG-21 Bison was downed during an aerial dogfight on February 27, after the Balakot airstrike.

In the video that was released by the authorities—which later went viral—one could hear Varthaman saying: “I’m sorry, I am not supposed to tell you this” to the questions asked to him during captivity.

The character impersonating Abhinandan can be seen sporting the Indian Air Force pilot’s signature moustache. However, instead of a military dress, the character is shown wearing the jersey of the Indian cricket team. 

The look-a-like repeats Abhinandan’s now-viral statement: “I’m sorry, I am not supposed to tell you this” several times in the advertisement as he is asked questions related to India’s playing XI and the team’s strategy if it wins the toss.

After two questions, the character impersonating Abhinandan is told by the interrogator to leave. As the impersonator gets up to leave, he is pulled back by the interrogator who says: “Ek second ruko! cup kahan leke ja raho ho? (Wait a second! Where are you taking the cup?).” The idea to pun on the word “cup” was to refer to the coveted trophy.

While the advertisement created a buzz earlier, this time it seems it hasn’t got down well with both sets of supporters.

Several people called the act “cheap” and “shameful”.

Shameful...#Pakistan World Cup ad mocks #AbhinandanVarthaman’s capture to publicise clash against #India. #IndiaVsPakistan pic.twitter.com/Vou9CAk0kY

— Atul Mohan (@atulmohanhere) 11 June 2019

It's not mocking India or Abhinandan, it's more like a self troll. Video doesn't deserve any sharing. Just ignore.

— Mehul 😎 (@mehulvmehta) 11 June 2019

Copying others exist in their blood, their attitude is really shameful!!!!

— Abhijit Inamdar (@AbhijitInam) 11 June 2019

Well, we're all looking at this the wrong way. #Pakistan can #KeeptheTeaCup, as #India will #TaketheWorldCup

— Pavan Kumar E (@confupavan) 12 June 2019

But why are you sharing ..Pls avoid

— Amit Bhardwaj (@iamawesomeab) 11 June 2019

So #Pakistan clear their intentions they are playing for #Chai ka #Cup 😂😂

— Anshul Saxena (@007anshulsaxena) 12 June 2019

A nation deprived of anything to celebrate behave like this. Morally, ethically bankrupt. Learn banters from football fans.

— Sk Shamim (@Skshamim) 12 June 2019

I am wondering what will be the reaction of those who made such racist remarks go if Pakistan loses and India wins on 16th
I think by then they will post a new well tailored Imran Khan spoof video as he begged for forgiveness in the disguise of peace. So start working on that.

— Mi_amor_che (@Mi_amor_che) 12 June 2019

India have defeated Pakistan six times in the World Cup starting from the 1992 edition and then in 1996, 1999, 2003, 2011 and 2015.

The excitement to see the two countries on the field is already at its peak. The Indian cricket team is scheduled to play against Pakistan on June 16 at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester.