Kerala’s expatriate community faces a reaction to welcome Shahid Afridi at the Dubai event; Organizers are apologizing

A cultural meeting organized by the Cochin University BTECH Alumni Association (Cubaa) In Dubai has landed in controversy after the former Pakistan cricketter Shahid Afridi He made an unexpected appearance, receiving an enthusiastic welcome from the attendees. The event, entitled Ormachuvadukal, in season 2, took place on May 25, 2025 in the Pakistan Dubai Association (PAD). The appearance of a video showing the crowd that Afridi has awakened on line, particularly in India, due to his recent comments after Pahalgam’s horror attack on Kashmir.

The presence of Shahid Afridi at an event in Dubai causes massive indignation

The controversy was intensified when a video of the event appeared on social media, showing Afridi receiving strong applause and “boom boom” chants of the audience, mainly made up of Keralites expatriates. The hosts briefly stopped their performance to recognize their arrival. AFRIDI, visibly delighted, spoke affectionately of Kerala’s cuisine and responded with his trademark phrase, “Hogaya Boom Boom.” Pakistani cricketer companion Umr gul It was also seen at the event, which was added to the mood of the celebration.

However, the positive reception became a restraint, especially among the users of Indian social networks. Afridi had previously provoked his outrage with his statements on the Pakistani news channel Samaa TV after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, who killed 26 people. In his comments, Afridi had clearly criticized Indian security forces, calling “ineffective” and mocked the incident’s indian media coverage. He also dismissed the reaction of the Fraternity of the Indian Cricket, who had condemned Pakistan for the attack, then claimed by the Resistance Front (TRF), a group linked to Lashkar-E-Taiba.

Also read: “Kargil Mein Bhi Haraya Tha …”: Shikhhar Dhawan explains Shahid Afridi to insult the Indian army

Given the sensitivity that surrounds the theme, the warm reception of Afridi for a section of the Indian diaspora meant accusations of being “deaf of tone” and “disrespectful” for the victims of Pahalgam’s tragedy.

Here is the video:

The organizers respond with clarifications and apologies

In the midst of the criticism, Cubaa issued a public statement on May 30, 2025, expressing regret for the incident and clarifying its position. The organization stated that the presence of Afridi and Gul was not planned or invited, as the cricketers attended a separate event in the same precinct: an attempt at Guinness World Recline that involved the flag of the largest United Arab Emirates made with imprints.

Cubaa explained that the enclosure was chosen for its affordability and reserved long before the Pahalgam attack took place. They acknowledged that the reaction of the crowd to the sudden aspect of Afridi was spontaneous and out of control of the organizers.

“We deeply regret any pain or crime caused to our Indian colleagues. Our intention was only to celebrate the rich cultural traditions of Kerala and foster inclusivity in alignment with the values ​​of our nation,” Read the official statement.

The association emphasized that the brief stopped in the case of AFRIDI recognizing was not rewarded and reiterated that both Afridi and Gul were not part of its official line. They concluded extending their sympathy to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and reaffirmed their dedication to promoting cultural unity within the Indian diaspora.

Also read: Virender Sehwag, Shikhhar Dhawan made Pakistan brutally violate the cessation of fire with India



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