From clarion calls of India scoring 300 runs in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 to do-or-die against Zimbabwe, the official broadcaster of the tournament — Star Sports — has had to eat humble pie. The broadcaster, which was being called out for its cringy ads, is now being trolled over its change of tone midway through the tournament.
The reaction from the fans comes after Star Sports billed India’s Super 8 match against 11th-ranked Zimbabwe as a do-or-die game. Fans were quick to call out Star Sports’ hyperbole, which time and again disrespected India’s opponents in the T20 World Cup.
Many fans pointed out that Star Sports ran an ad campaign before India’s group-stage match against Namibia, asking fans if this would be the game where India would cross 300 runs for the first time in a T20I game.
News flash — India did not. In fact, they struggled against the spin of Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus.
In India’s first Super 8 game against South Africa, Star Sports put out a condescending ad against the last edition’s finalists, where they used a cupcake to mock the Protea fans.
After India lost heavily against South Africa, the ad was taken down.
Now, ahead of India’s match against Zimbabwe in Chennai, Star Sports put out an ad, finally pitting Zimbabwe as India’s equals, without mocking or disrespecting the team.
As India builds up to its crucial match against Zimbabwe on February 26, the last week perhaps serves as a reminder for the broadcaster: avoid getting ahead of the game, and for that matter, do not step over the line. Because in cricket, it is not done, until it is done.
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