Ind Vs Pak: A Marketing Match – Some Hit the Six & Some Lost the Wickets

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Have you ever seen this? A stadium full of roaring fans faces painted green and blue, banners waving high, flags flying, and the crowd screaming their lungs out. The energy? Electric. It’s the legendary India vs Pakistan cricket match. According to the BBC, it’s one of the biggest sports showdowns in the world.

But what do brands have to do with this epic rivalry?

Well, when four out of the top five most-watched cricket matches in the world are India vs Pakistan clashes, brands can’t afford to sit on the sidelines.

Top Watched India vs Pakistan Matches:

• ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2011 (Semi-Final) – March 30, 2011 – 495 million viewers
• ICC Champions Trophy 2017 (Final) – June 18, 2017 – 400 million viewers
• ICC Champions Trophy 2017 (Group Stage) – June 4, 2017 – 324 million viewers
• ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2015 (Group Stage) – February 4, 2015 – 313 million viewers

Source: Front Office Sports

This is a dream playground for brands to be the ‘talk of the town.’ So grab a cup of coffee and check out how these brands hit marketing sixes during the big match.

Brands That Used the Match to Their Advantage

Coco-Cola

What’s better than an ice-cold Coke during a high-stakes match? Coca-Cola nailed the halftime moment. As the players took their break, the stadium turned into a sea of red flags, subtly reminding fans to grab a Coke and recharge. Smart timing + emotional connection = marketing that sells.

Zepto

During every nail-biting ball in Dubai, Zepto delivered the ultimate roast. Known for its super-fast delivery, Zepto presented the intensity of the match and a gentle message for Pakistan. The witty comparison? Perfectly on point. Zepto didn’t just deliver groceries; it delivered some savage humor too.

Blinkit

Blinkit took its social media game up a notch with a viral post that racked up 201K likes and over 3K comments. Not stopping there, they used quirky blackboard signs at stores, blending offline and online engagement. A masterclass in how to keep eyes glued to your logo.

Federal Bank

Even banks joined the marketing party. Federal Bank gave Team India a shoutout using clever banking lingo. Sticking to its brand voice while jumping on the trend, it is a win-win situation.

Thumbs Up

Social media was buzzing during the match, and Thumbs Up was right there, dropping posts that got people talking. Known for its bold persona, the brand earned plenty of thumbs up for its timely and engaging posts.

Google

Google, as always, knew exactly what we were thinking. It's Doodle and match-time Easter eggs brought fans closer to the action, making even a search bar feel part of the cricket celebration. It’s almost like Google read the minds of 1.4 billion Indians.

Colors Infinity

Not all brands played it safe. Colors Infinity took a bold, cheeky route, poking fun at Pakistan’s performance (a little too hard, some might say). The risky humor sparked conversations, but it also walked the fine line of what’s fun and what’s offensive.

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Zomato?

When it comes to hitting a ball out of the stadium, blue wins. Just like that in roasting other brands, Zomato tops. Zomato celebrated with their hearts out just like others. The reason? Isn’t the ODI ton of Virat Kolhi is a great reason to celebrate.?

Lessons from the Pitch: Marketing Takeaways?

Cricket isn’t just a game—it’s an emotion. Especially when it’s India vs Pakistan, the stakes aren’t limited to the pitch; they spill over into living rooms, social media, and yes, marketing campaigns. So, what can you learn from this cricket craze? Let’s break it down

1. The Power of Fandom

Do you think the fans are just spectators? Think again. They’re invested. Brands that tap into this emotional connection create campaigns that go beyond products, can stay in the ground. Such brands create and leave the moments . Remember when brands used user-generated content (UGC) during matches? Fans sharing their rituals, superstitions, and celebrations turned into organic marketing gold. And yes, it got sold better. Brands that align with fandom build loyalty that lasts beyond the final over.

2. Timing Is Everything

In cricket, a split-second decision can change the game. This rule goes the same in marketing. Posting that witty meme right after a game-changing moment? That’s how brands win the engagement game. But it’s not a piece of cake. You need to be careful and handle the double-edged sword wisely. Remember if you move too slow, and you miss the wave. If you move too fast without thought, you risk a backlash. The key? A nimble, well-prepared content team ready to pounce on live moments.

3. Cultural Sensitivity

No cap, India vs Pakistan is intense, and emotions run high. Brands that navigate this rivalry with care win hearts. Those that cross the line with aggressive patriotism or insensitive humor? They get benched by audiences. The lesson? Celebrate the spirit of the game without alienating fans. Focus on unity, sportsmanship, and shared love for cricket.

The Ending Note?

At the end of the day, marketing during an India vs Pakistan match is like playing in a high-stakes final — you need strategy, speed, and the guts to go big. The brands that truly hit it out of the park are the ones that understand their audience, time their messaging perfectly, and know how to ride the emotional highs and lows without missing a beat.

But here's the thing — not every brand has the team or the playbook to pull off that kind of marketing magic. That’s where Eta Marketing Solution Private Limited steps in. Think of us as your marketing all-rounder — creative with the bat, strategic with the ball, and always ready to field unexpected challenges.? So, if you're ready to stop playing defense and start hitting marketing sixes, let us be your MVP.