Star Sports is facing massive trolling after its cupcake themed promo backfired following India’s heavy defeat against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match. The advertisement, released before the game, has now become a talking point online.
In the promo, an Indian fan was shown teasing a South African supporter with a cupcake. The concept referred to South Africa’s loss in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. The clip went viral and generated strong reactions ahead of the match.
However, the narrative changed completely after South Africa defeated India by 76 runs in Ahmedabad. Soon after the result, South African fans began sharing posts and videos mocking the promo. Several users were seen enjoying cupcakes while celebrating the win.
Many fans stated that the broadcaster deserved the backlash for releasing such a promo. Even some Indian supporters criticised the advertisement and called it unnecessary. Reports suggested that Star Sports quietly removed the promo after the defeat.
On the field, South Africa posted 187 for 7 in 20 overs. David Miller scored 63 runs, Dewald Brevis added 45, and Tristan Stubbs remained unbeaten on 44 to guide the team to a strong total.
For India, Jasprit Bumrah picked up three wickets while Arshdeep Singh claimed two. Despite their efforts, the target proved challenging for the batting unit.
During the chase, India were bowled out for 111 runs in 18.5 overs. Shivam Dube scored 42, but no other batter managed to convert their start into a significant innings.
Marco Jansen led the bowling attack for South Africa with four wickets. Keshav Maharaj supported him well with three dismissals. The result not only impacted India’s campaign but also turned the cupcake promo into a viral embarrassment for Star Sports.
South Africa defeated India in a one-sided match, and Star Sports has deleted this offensive ad it made for this particular encounter.
Perhaps this episode will teach our ad makers that arrogance masquerading as marketing is neither clever nor graceful.
pic.twitter.com/uK9W96p95Y— THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) February 22, 2026
South African fans started mocking India. They are eating cup-cakes and eventually Team India chocked. Star Sports you deserve this. #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/3RHgVfzDOj
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) February 23, 2026
