Sports
Faasos launches cricket-themed campaign with Coca-cola India
Slap Hand Freebie in Mumbai and Match Day Apology Cards in Chennai, Ahmedabad turn T20 viewing into a noisy ritual.
MUMBAI: Faasos just turned match-day madness into a menu item because when T20 fever hits, even your neighbours deserve an apology (and your wraps deserve a ritual). Faasos, in collaboration with Coca-cola India, has rolled out a playful cricket-themed campaign during the ongoing T20 season, celebrating the chaotic, emotional, superstition-laced way India watches the game. The initiative transforms everyday viewing into a shared, noisy celebration across homes, friend groups, and cities complete with city-specific executions that lean into the humour and high drama of live matches.
In Mumbai, Faasos introduced the Slap Hand Freebie, a fun, hand-shaped prop that lets fans express raw joy or frustration with a satisfying slap during big moments. In Chennai and Ahmedabad, deliveries come with a cheeky Match Day Apology Card, giving viewers a light-hearted way to say sorry in advance to partners, family, bosses, or neighbours for the shouting, jumping, and general lack of attention during the game.
Tapping into cricket’s famous superstitions from sitting in the same spot to performing the same actions Faasos launched Special Match Day Ritual Combos that encourage fans to order the same wrap and Coke every match, turning the meal into a “lucky” part of their viewing routine.
Rebel Foods (Faasos’ parent) CMO Nishant Kedia said, “Cricket in India, especially during the T20 season, is an emotional experience. We didn’t want to just ride the cricket wave. We wanted to celebrate the experience of the fans whether it is the noise, the nervousness, or the superstitions.”
The Coca-cola India tie-up adds prizes, fans stand a chance to win 24 match tickets, trophy keychains, signed cricket balls, and official merchandise with every eligible order during the campaign period.
Amplified by cricket-loving Instagram influencers capturing real-time reactions and fan behaviour, the campaign is live in Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad with tailored activations for each city.
In a season where every boundary sparks joy or despair, Faasos has cleverly slid itself into the ritual proving that sometimes the best way to enjoy the game is with a wrap in one hand, a Coke in the other, and an apology card ready for whoever’s sitting nearby.
Sports
After Virat Kohli’s exit, One8 Commune Bengaluru shuts down
Outlet near Chinnaswamy closes amid rent row, compliance issues mount
BENGALURU: The One8 Commune outlet near M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has shut down following a court order, bringing a turbulent chapter for the high-profile dining destination to a close.
The immediate trigger was a legal dispute over unpaid dues. The outlet, operated by Trio Hills Hospitality, had reportedly defaulted on rent payments for nearly six months. Including maintenance charges and revenue share commitments, the outstanding amount is said to have crossed Rs 2 crore. A Bengaluru civil court subsequently directed the closure of the premises until all financial obligations are cleared.
The shutdown comes months after Virat Kohli, whose brand name lent the outlet its identity, had already distanced himself from the Bengaluru franchise. According to reports, concerns around repeated compliance-related issues prompted his team to withdraw the association. The removal of the One8 branding is believed to have impacted footfall, further straining the business.
The outlet had also faced regulatory scrutiny over the years. In 2024, authorities booked the establishment for operating beyond the 1:00 am curfew. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike had issued notices over missing fire safety clearances, while an FIR was filed for violating tobacco regulations by not providing a designated smoking zone under applicable laws.
In response to the closure, the brand maintained that the issue stemmed from building-level compliance responsibilities linked to the property owner rather than operational lapses on its part. It also denied that financial default was the primary reason, reiterating that customer safety remained a priority.
For now, the shutters remain down. While a reopening is theoretically possible if disputes are resolved, the absence of Kohli’s brand association makes a return under the One8 banner increasingly unlikely.
