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Delhi High Court Rejects RCB’s Plea Against Uber’s 'Hyderabaddie' Ad Featuring Travis Head
In a ruling that caught the attention of IPL fans and legal observers alike, the Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea filed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to take down Uber India's ‘Hyderabaddie’ advertisement, which features Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) player Travis Head. The ad stirred controversy due to its cheeky reference to RCB’s performance and a clever play on the term “Hyderabaddie,” sparking backlash from RCB supporters.
RCB alleged that the advertisement mocked the team and misused player likeness to promote a rival franchise. However, the court found no grounds for legal action, ruling that the ad did not violate any laws or defame the Bengaluru-based team.
Why Was the Uber 'Hyderabaddie' Ad Controversial?
The Uber campaign, which went viral on social media, showcased Australian cricketer Travis Head—a key player for SRH—paired with playful text referencing his performance against RCB. The term "Hyderabaddie" has been trending online, blending the city name with the slang "baddie," often used to describe someone stylish or powerful.
RCB’s legal team argued that the ad took an unfair dig at their brand and could influence fan sentiment. However, the court deemed the ad a part of routine commercial expression within the scope of advertising freedom.
What the Delhi HC Said
The Delhi High Court stated that the Uber ad:
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Did not target RCB in a defamatory manner.
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Was well within the boundaries of creative commercial expression.
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Could not be classified as misleading or malicious.
This verdict is seen as a win for creative marketing campaigns during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, where brands aggressively capitalize on team rivalries and fan engagement.
Public and Fan Reactions
Fan response has been sharply divided:
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SRH fans celebrated the witty wordplay and praised Uber's marketing.
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RCB fans criticized the ad for lacking sportsmanship.
Despite the backlash, the ad continues to trend on platforms like Instagram, Twitter (X), and YouTube Shorts.
Marketing Lessons from the 'Hyderabaddie' Campaign
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Timing Matters – Leveraging real-time sports moments can create viral success.
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Edgy Campaigns Work – As long as content stays within legal boundaries, bold messaging can stand out.
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Team Rivalries = Marketing Gold – The IPL continues to be a fertile ground for clever brand storytelling.
FAQs: Uber’s 'Hyderabaddie' Ad and Delhi HC’s Verdict
1. What was the issue with Uber’s 'Hyderabaddie' ad?
RCB filed a complaint alleging the ad mocked their team and used rival players unfairly to promote a brand. The court, however, did not find merit in these claims.
2. Who is Travis Head and what was his role in the ad?
Travis Head is an Australian cricketer playing for SRH in IPL 2025. He featured prominently in the Uber ad, which celebrated his strong performance.
3. Why did the Delhi High Court reject RCB’s plea?
The court ruled the ad was not defamatory or unlawful and fell within the domain of creative advertising.
4. What does this mean for other IPL team advertisements?
It sets a precedent that bold, creative ads related to cricket are permissible as long as they don't cross legal or ethical lines.
5. Is the term 'Hyderabaddie' copyrighted?
No. It is a creative slang term coined for the ad campaign and is not subject to copyright or trademark unless formally registered.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s decision signals a growing acceptance of bold marketing strategies in Indian sports, particularly during IPL seasons. Brands like Uber are likely to continue pushing creative boundaries, tapping into cricket fandom and cultural moments for maximum impact.
Published on May-05-25 By : Abhishek Rana