Sania slams 'cringeworthy' TV ads hyping the Indo-Pak World Cup match

Tennis star Sania Mirza on Wednesday slammed the "cringeworthy" TV advertisements hyping the much-awaited World Cup match between India and Pakistan. The advertisement war in the run-up to Sunday's clash between the arch-rivals has heated up with TV channels in both the countries putting out despicable ads.

Pakistan's Jazz TV has produced an ad, which features a character who is seen mimicking Indian Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, captured by the Pakistani military a day after the Balakot airstrike. The 33 seconds ad shows a model in a blue India jersey, sporting Varthaman's trademark moustache. He is seen repeating Abhinandan's viral remarks, "I'm sorry, I am not supposed to tell you this" to the questions asked on India's strategy for the match.

India's Star TV, on the other hand, has been running an ad where an Indian supporter describes himself as Pakistan's "abbu" (father), referring to India's domination over their rivals in the World Cup. "Cringeworthy ads on both sides of the border, seriously guys, you don't need to 'hype up' or market the match anymore especially with rubbish! it has ENOUGH attention already! It's only cricket for God sake, and if you think it's any more than that then get a grip or get a life !!," Sania wrote on her twitter handle.

Tension escalated between India and Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed on February 14.