The ongoing ICC T20 World Cup is jointly organised by India and Sri Lanka, with leading venues across both nations staging fixtures. Among them, New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium has been selected to conduct several matches during the competition. On February 10, the ground hosted its opening game of the tournament between the Netherlands and Namibia. After the encounter concluded and spectators began exiting, a visitor allegedly observed a questionable practice by a food and beverage vendor operating inside the premises. A video later circulated on Instagram and other platforms, purportedly revealing unsanitary handling of soft drinks within the stadium complex.
The viral footage appears to show members of the stadium’s catering staff collecting leftover Thums Up from cups that had already been used and transferring the remaining liquid into small plastic bottles. In the clip, workers can be seen pooling partially consumed beverages, believed to have been discarded or handed back by attendees, into a larger container before refilling branded Thums Up bottles. The individual who recorded the incident stated, “Arun Jaitley Stadium mein ab jo Thums Up ki bachi hui bottle hai na, usko fir se bottle mein bhar rahe hain log. Agla match jo bhi aayega, wahi purani wali bottle bikegi. Poora scam chal raha hai bhai, saaf dikhta hai na?"
Internet Reacts:
Multiple comparable clips emerged around February 11 and 12, prompting widespread criticism online. Social media users described the alleged act as a grave public health concern and even termed it “criminal negligence." Many comments pointed out the dangers of contamination, possible mixing of saliva, and the heightened risk of infections in crowded sporting environments. The controversy led to demands for swift intervention by stadium management, the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), and Coca-Cola India, which owns Thums Up. “Ispe action lo. Yeh kisi ke health ke saath majak kr rhe h," read one response. Another wrote, “Can we see someone taking action?" A third remarked, “Such cheap people." However, a few users questioned the assumption, saying, “What if the employee are taking them to their home to have it later?????are you sure they are going to serve it later? Do you have the proof ??? Or it’s just your prejudiced speculation."