DDCA issued an official statement on the viral soft drink controversy and said act shown in the video was part of the stadium’s authorised waste management process.
Published: February 12, 2026 7:49 PM IST
New Delhi: A video shared on X during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match between the Netherlands and Namibia quickly gained traction on social media after it appeared to show leftover soft drinks being poured from cups back into a larger bottle at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The 40-second video depicted a food and beverage vendor inside the stadium refilling leftover drinks from cups and emptying them into a soft drink bottle.
Viral video triggered strong online reactions
The video sparked intense reactions online, with users calling for an investigation by stadium authorities, the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), and Thums Up’s parent company.
In response, the DDCA released an official statement emphasizing that the action depicted in the video was a part of the stadium’s authorized waste management practices.
DDCA’s official statement on the soft drink controversy
“The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) has been made aware of a video circulating on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), alleging that a vendor was seen pouring cold drinks back into bottles during a recent match,” the statement began.
“We would like to clarify that this pouring is conducted by an authorized concessionaire at the stadium, in accordance with event guidelines. The concessionaire was serving Coca-Cola products following the agreed commercial arrangements and operational standards.” DDCA explained.
— DDCA (@delhi_cricket) February 12, 2026
“DDCA adheres to strict hygiene protocols at all venues. In the situation shown in the video, the vendor was segregating wet and dry waste and poured the unused beverage back into the bottle before disposal as part of the waste collection process. The bottles were subsequently gathered, sorted, and processed according to the venue’s waste management and recycling policy,” they further detailed.
“We want to emphasize that the bottles were disposed of responsibly, in alignment with recognized environmental and operational guidelines,” the DDCA concluded.
Key Takeaways
- A viral video prompted criticism of soft drink handling at Arun Jaitley Stadium.
- The DDCA clarified that the actions depicted are part of their waste management procedures.
- The stadium follows strict hygiene and operational protocols.
- The beverage vendor was acting under authorized concessionaire guidelines.
- Responses online called for inquiries into the practices depicted.
FAQ
What caused the controversy around the soft drink video?
The video appeared to show leftover drinks being poured back into larger bottles, prompting public reaction.
What has the DDCA stated regarding the practices shown in the video?
The DDCA clarified that the actions were part of an authorized waste management process.
How does the DDCA ensure hygiene at the stadium?
DDCA follows strict hygiene and operational guidelines at all venues to ensure safety and compliance.
In summary, the DDCA has addressed public concerns about soft drink handling practices, reassuring stakeholders about their commitment to environmentally responsible protocols. Continuous vigilance and adherence to guidelines remain critical in such situations.
