Viral Video Alleges Left Over Drinks Being 'Recycled' at Arun Jaitley Stadium During T20 World Cup 2026
A viral video allegedly showing staff at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium decanting leftover soft drinks from used cups into large bottles has sparked a major hygiene controversy during the T20 World Cup. While the footage has reached millions, officials have yet to confirm the intent behind the actions shown.
A mobile phone video circulating widely on social media has cast a shadow over the hospitality standards at the Arun Jaitley Stadium during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. The footage appears to show stadium worker collecting half-filled plastic cups from spectator stands and pouring the contents back into large multi-litre beverage bottles. Delhi Weather and Rain Forecast for India vs Namibia T20 World Cup 2026 Match.
The clip, which surfaced on Thursday and was quickly amplified by news outlets and viral accounts on X (formerly Twitter), has triggered significant public concern regarding food safety at one of India’s most prominent cricket venues. Despite the online outcry, the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) has not yet announced an official investigation into the matter.
Viral Footage Sparks Outrage
While the clip has been shared millions of times as evidence of "recycled" drinks being prepared for resale, it is important to note that the footage does not show the bottles being sealed or handed back to customers. At this stage, it remains unverified whether the liquid was being collected for illicit reuse or if staff were simply consolidating waste into larger containers to be destroyed or disposed of more efficiently later. ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Full Schedule, Free PDF Download Online.
Regardless of the intent, the visual of staff handling open, used containers in close proximity to beverage supplies has led to calls for greater oversight of third-party catering vendors. Public health experts have noted that any form of fluid consolidation in a public serving area violates standard hygiene protocols for international sporting events.
No Official Action as India Faces Namibia
As of Thursday afternoon, the DDCA has remained silent on the controversy. No formal probe has been launched, and no statement has been issued to clarify the stadium's waste management or catering policies.
The timing is particularly sensitive as the stadium prepares to host India vs Namibia tonight, 12 February. Security for the high-profile match has been tightened to a three-layer system, but fans are now vocal about the need for similar rigour in monitoring food and beverage vendors.
Background: Infrastructure and Oversight
The Arun Jaitley Stadium has a history of facing criticism regarding fan experience. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, the venue was frequently cited for poor washroom maintenance and dusty seating. While recent renovations aimed to modernise the facility for the 2026 tournament, this viral incident highlights ongoing challenges in operational management and vendor regulation during peak event hours.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 12, 2026 12:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).