A Dubai event organised by a Kerala-based alumni association has drawn sharp criticism after controversial Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi appeared on stage and was warmly welcomed, weeks after blaming Indian security forces for the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
The event, hosted by the Cochin University B.Tech Alumni Association (CUBAA) at the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) last week, came under fire on social media for extending hospitality to Afridi, who has repeatedly courted outrage in India for his statements on Kashmir.
Afridi, accompanied by former teammate Umar Gul, was cheered by the audience amid chants of “Boom Boom” — a reference to his popular nickname — as he walked on stage. In a widely circulated video clip, the 47-year-old can be heard responding, “Hogaya Boom Boom.”
The episode provoked an online backlash, with netizens questioning the organisers’ decision to host the Pakistani cricketer at a time of heightened India–Pakistan tensions.
In a statement issued after the controversy erupted, the organisers denied having invited either Afridi or Gul to the function. According to CUBAA, the appearance was entirely “unsolicited.”
"On May 25, 2025 same day as our event, the aforementioned cricketers visited the same venue as part of the Guinness World Record for Largest UAE Flag with Handprints," read the statement.
"As our programme was concluding, these cricketers made an unannounced and unsolicited appearance at our event, which was held in the same auditorium. We would like to categorically state that no member of our organising team, officials or alumni members invited them nor coordinated this appearance," it added.
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The group’s defence, however, failed to quell the public criticism. Many called for a probe into how such appearances were permitted at Indian community events abroad, particularly in light of Afridi’s comments following the recent Pahalgam attack.
Shortly after the 26 civilian deaths in Pahalgam, Afridi had appeared on Pakistani television blaming Indian armed forces for the lapse in security.
"Tum logon ki 8 lakh hi fauj hai Kashmir mein aur yeh ho gaya. Iska matlab nalayak ho, nikamme ho na tum log security de nahi sake logon ko," he had said.
The cricketer had also participated in a car rally celebrating Pakistan’s retaliation following India’s strikes on terror camps under Operation Sindoor, hailing what he described as a “victory.”
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