Kerala group in Dubai apologises after backlash over hosting Shahid Afridi

A part of the Kerala community in Dubai faced strong criticism for warmly welcoming former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi at an event, following his remarks after the Pahalgam terror attack

A segment of the Keralite diaspora in Dubai has come under sharp criticism on social media after warmly receiving former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi at a recent event. The backlash stems from Afridi’s remarks following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which intensified tensions between India and Pakistan.

 

In a video that quickly gained traction online, Afridi is seen being enthusiastically welcomed on stage by the Keralite community during the event. The crowd greeted him with loud cheers and chanted “Boom Boom”, a nod to Afridi’s well-known nickname.

 

Kerala community in Dubai under fire for warmly welcoming Shahid Afridi, despite his past anti-India remarks (even after the recent Pahalgam attack). Seriously? Patriotism shouldn't have borders when it comes to national sentiment. #Kerala #Dubai #ShahidAfridi #IndiaFirst… pic.twitter.com/geOQdsmeQ6

— Vivid Insaan ???? (@VividInsaan) May 31, 2025

  Pausing their cultural performance to acknowledge his arrival, community members created a lively atmosphere. Afridi responded to the chants, saying, “Hogaya Boom Boom".

 

 

During his address, Afridi expressed his fondness for “the Kerala part in India and its food", further endearing himself to the audience. The event, titled ‘Ormachuvadukul 2025,’ was organised by the Cochin University B.Tech Alumni Association (CUBAA) and held at the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) Auditorium in Oud Metha on May 25.

 

Afridi’s remarks on Pahalgam terror attack

 

The uproar stems largely from Afridi’s statements made in April on Pakistan’s Samaa TV regarding the Pahalgam terror attack which claimed 26 lives. Afridi suggested that any incident in India is blamed on Pakistan, saying, “even if a firecracker were to burst in India, fingers will always be pointed at Pakistan". He also criticised the Indian armed forces’ security efforts in Kashmir.

 

Social media reacts with strong disapproval

 

The video of Afridi’s reception was shared on X with the caption: “What a shame!! - Desperate Keralites welcome this anti-India Paki with 'Boom Boom' at an event in Dubai, especially after Pahalgam terror attack and his venomous stand against India.” It quickly went viral, sparking widespread condemnation.

 

One user expressed disappointment, commenting, “Patriotism gone for a six… what a shame. Expected better from them (Kerala community).”

 

Another wrote, “How much disloyal can you be to your nation… learn from the most literate people… Disgraceful!”

 

A third questioned the loyalty of the community, saying, “Don’t they have anyone from India origin!! Shame to see this happen.” 

'Deeply regret any hurt or offense our actions'

As the incident triggered a widespread row, the Cochin University Btech Alumni Association (CUBAA), UAE, on Friday came out with an Instagram post expressing apology over the incident and said it was not intentional. Without naming Afridi, they said they had booked Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) as a venue of the second season of an inter-collegiate dance competition much before the tension between India and Pakistan.

 

The same venue was used for the first season of the event last year also due to its affordability, the statement said. "At the time of our event, the diplomatic tensions had already eased. Due to the unavailability of an alternative venue on short notice, we proceeded with the programme as scheduled at PAD Dubai," they said.

 

The CUBAA representatives further said cricketers, including Afridi, came to the auditorium for another event on the same day when their programme was held on May 25. As the Kerala community's programme was concluding, these cricketers made an "unannounced and unsolicited appearance" at their event, which was held in the same auditorium, they further said.

 

"We would like to categorically state that no member of our organising team, officials or alumni members invited them nor coordinated this appearance. Our officially published event schedule, which does not include these individuals as guests, further supports this," the organisers said.

 

They further said as their visit was a surprise, they were unable to manage the crowd response appropriately in that short span of time. "We regret any confusion or inconvenience caused to attendees, participants, or supporters due to this unplanned development. We deeply regret any hurt or offense our actions may have caused. It was never our intention, and we sincerely apologise to those affected," they said.

  (With inputs from PTI)