India and Pakistan are at it again prior to their big clash in Cricket

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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India and Pakistan "tensions" are high again. But this time it's over cricket.

The two sides are set to meet each other on Sunday in what is arguably the most highly-anticipated clash so far of the World Cup.

Pakistan has upped the ante with a TV ad, satirising an Indian pilot who became a national hero after he was captured in February when tensions between the two countries were high. He was later released as "a gesture of peace". 

In the television take off, the "pilot" is  refusing to give information. But this time it's in response to questions about the upcoming cricket match, such as details about who's going to be in the Indian team, while sipping a cup of tea. It ends with the actor being "dismissed" and then told to leave the "cup" behind – an obvious play on the World Cup trophy.

But while the ad is clearly meant to be a tongue-in-cheek take on a recent India-Pakistan incident, it has struck a nerve in India, with many on social media calling it "insensitive" and "shameful". 

But while many denounced the advert for its "mocking" tone, others have seen some humour in it. 

A few users have also asked India to take the ad in its stride and retaliate by winning the match against Pakistan. 

It's clear that passions are running high before the hotly-anticipated match which is due to take place on Sunday in Manchester's Old Trafford stadium. It is set to be attended by thousands of ardent Indian and Pakistani fans. 

But seeing as a slew of recent World Cup matches have been cancelled due to rainy weather in the UK, it would be quite ironic if this game is also washed out – especially since it has had such a dramatic warm-up.