Marketing masterstrokes: How Pepsi’s ‘Nothing Official About It’ upended the 1996 Cricket World Cup

The campaign was a runaway success, cementing Pepsi’s status as a cultural force in India.

In 1996, after losing the official sponsorship of the Cricket World Cup to Coca-Cola, Pepsi launched the bold “Nothing Official About It” campaign, redefining ambush marketing. The ad’s irreverent messaging and strategic timing turned a setback into a cultural and commercial triumph.

With ‘Anytime is Pepsi Time’ campaign, we’re defining refreshment for summer season: PepsiCo

In 1996, Pepsi’s provocative campaign, “Nothing Official About It,” took direct aim at Coca-Cola, the official sponsor of that year’s Cricket World Cup.

Once a battleground for fierce marketing rivalries, the soft drink industry saw Pepsi and Coca-Cola wage high-stakes Cola Wars, particularly through cricket. With new players like Reliance-owned Campa Cola entering the fray, the question remains – are the Cola Wars poised for a comeback?

The Indie Ad Revolution: ‘Item numbers’ to ‘pretainers’, what’s happening with indie ad shops?

Clients, creativity, talent and compensation – independent ad firms’ founders unpack what makes indies tick in today’s hyper-fragmented ad landscape and what gives independent agencies an edge over the big networks?

Dentsu global CEO: We will reevaluate our underperforming businesses, rebuild our business structure

NCLT, in its order of April 4, 2025, noted the absence of crucial documentation, such as delivery receipts or weighbridge slips, to confirm the actual delivery of goods to Dentsu Communication.​

Dentsu says it will focus on boldly promoting necessary changes and reforms to once again achieve strong organic growth as the global ad holding company announced its new Mid-Term Management Plan, setting key financial targets for FY2027.