South African fan mocks India after Star Sports’ ‘cupcake’ ad backfires following T20 world cup defeat

Star Sports’ viral promo ahead of the India vs South Africa T20 clash has sparked a major backlash, with South African fans now turning the tables and mocking India after the Men in Blue’s crushing defeat.

The controversial ad, which showed an Indian fan teasing a South African supporter with a cupcake reference to the Proteas’ loss in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, quickly gained traction online before the match. However, following India’s heavy loss, South African fans began sharing their own videos and posts ridiculing India and the broadcaster.

An X user posted one such video and wrote, “South African fans started mocking India. They are eating cupcakes and eventually Team India choked. Star Sports, you deserve this.”



South Africa thrashed India by 76 runs on Sunday, handing the defending champions their biggest defeat in T20 World Cup history. The loss also ended India’s remarkable 18-match unbeaten streak in ICC white-ball events, which dated back to their defeat in the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

The backlash intensified after reports claimed Star Sports quietly withdrew the controversial promo following India’s defeat. Many fans, including Indians, criticised the ad for being arrogant and distasteful.



One Indian fan wrote on X, “In a way I'm enjoying how the Star Sports cupcake ad has backfired and is being brutally trolled at the international level. We deserve this. This has been happening for a while, and it has to end. Lowkey embarrassed, but still, gotta keep some standards from now on.”

Another user commented, “South Africa handed India a one-sided defeat and Star Sports has quietly taken down its provocative promo. Maybe it’s a reminder to our ad makers: arrogance dressed up as marketing isn’t bold or witty… just distasteful.”

In the match, South Africa posted a strong total of 187/7 in 20 overs, powered by David Miller’s 63 and Dewald Brevis’ 45. The duo stitched together a crucial 97-run partnership for the fourth wicket, while Tristan Stubbs added an unbeaten 44 to strengthen the innings.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler with figures of 3/15, while Arshdeep Singh picked up 2/28. Varun Chakaravarthy and Shivam Dube claimed one wicket each.

In reply, India’s batting collapsed under pressure as none of the batters managed to score a half-century. Shivam Dube top-scored with 42, but the team was bowled out for just 111 in 18.5 overs.

South Africa’s bowlers delivered a dominant performance, led by Marco Jansen (4/22), Keshav Maharaj (3/24), and Corbin Bosch (2/12), while captain Aiden Markram also chipped in with a wicket.

The defeat not only marked one of India’s worst losses in T20 World Cup history but also turned Star Sports’ aggressive marketing campaign into a subject of global ridicule, with fans calling it a lesson in humility.