New Delhi, February 14, 2026 — A viral video captured at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium during the ongoing T20 World Cup has sparked an intense international debate over stadium hygiene and fan safety. The controversy, which gained momentum after being highlighted by Australian cricketer David Warner on social media, appeared to show stadium staff pouring leftover soft drinks from used paper cups back into large plastic bottles.
As the footage circulated globally, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) moved swiftly to address what they describe as a “misinterpretation” of standard operational procedures.
The Viral Controversy
The incident occurred during the T20 World Cup Group A fixture between the Netherlands and Namibia on February 10. The clip, recorded by a spectator and later shared by Warner on his Instagram story, shows a vendor at a beverage stall collecting partially filled cups and emptying their contents back into 2-liter PET bottles.
The video immediately drew sharp criticism from fans and health experts, with many alleging that the vendor was “refilling” bottles to resell them to unsuspecting spectators. Given the premium prices charged for refreshments inside World Cup venues, the footage fueled a broader conversation about the exploitation and safety of fans at major sporting events.
DDCA’s Official Clarification
Responding to the uproar on Thursday, February 12, DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma issued a formal statement denying any breach of hygiene or attempt at resale. According to the DDCA, the actions seen in the video were actually part of a waste management protocol.
“In the instance shown in the video, the vendor, while segregating wet and dry waste, poured the unused beverage back into the bottle prior to disposal as part of the waste collection process,” the statement read.
The association clarified that:
- Waste Segregation: To comply with environmental guidelines, vendors are required to separate liquid (wet waste) from paper cups (dry waste).
- Disposal, Not Resale: The bottles were used as temporary containers to transport the liquid waste to a disposal point and were never reintroduced into the stock for sale.
- Authorized Concessionaires: The staff involved were part of an authorized concessionaire serving Coca-Cola products under strict operational standards.
International Scrutiny and Fan Trust
Despite the clarification, the timing of the video has been problematic for the tournament organizers. With India hosting its second match (India vs. Namibia) just days later, the “soda-gate” controversy became a focal point for international media.
Public reaction remains divided. While some social media users accepted the waste-management explanation, others pointed out that performing such tasks in full view of the public without clear signage or transparent protocols is a public relations disaster. Critics argue that using original product bottles for waste collection, even if temporary, creates a high risk of confusion and tarnishes the “premium” experience promised to ticket holders.
The Bottom Line
The DDCA has reiterated that strict hygiene protocols remain in place for the remainder of the tournament. However, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the power of viral media in the age of global sporting events. For the DDCA and the ICC, the challenge now lies in restoring fan confidence as the T20 World Cup moves into its high-stakes Super 8s stage.
