On May 25, 2025, the Cochin University B.Tech Alumni Association (CUBAA) held an event at the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD). The event featured former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi and his teammate Umar Gul, and their appearance sparked widespread outrage on social media, particularly due to the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
The Shahid Afridi Dubai event, marked by cheers and “Boom Boom” chants, has drawn criticism, as the Times of India reported, given Afridi’s recent anti-India remarks.
WHY? WHY? WHY?
Former Pakistani cricketers Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul received a rapturous welcome from the Indian Kerala community during an event held at the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD).
Afridi of all people? pic.twitter.com/k95BQEqK6R
— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) May 30, 2025A viral video showed Afridi, 47, warmly welcomed on stage, prompting backlash for CUBAA’s hospitality toward a figure known for provocative statements. Afridi’s comments post-Pahalgam terror attack, blaming India’s security forces, and his car rally celebrating Pakistan’s “victory” after India’s Operation Sindoor have fueled the India-Pak tensions. Social media users slammed CUBAA, with one stating, “Welcoming Afridi after his insults is unacceptable.”
CUBAA clarified that Afridi and Gul were not invited, claiming they attended a Guinness World Record event for the Largest UAE Flag with Handprints at the same venue and made an “unannounced” appearance. “No member of our team invited them,” the statement read, attempting to quell the Kerala group backlash. However, scepticism persists, with critics questioning the event’s optics.
Afridi’s remarks, including calling India’s 800,000 Indian Army in Kashmir “inefficient” after the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians, have long stirred up Shahid Afridi controversy. His celebrations post-Operation Sindoor further inflamed sentiments, making CUBAA’s event a flashpoint for debate.
Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi greeted by the Indian Kerala community in Dubai.
10000000.0001 % Literacy saar 🤡 pic.twitter.com/PdnmgvOa86
— Voice of Assam (@VoiceOfAxom) May 30, 2025The CUBAA Dubai event highlights the sensitivity of India-Pakistan relations, especially in diaspora settings. The backlash underscores how public figures’ appearances can escalate tensions, impacting community relations and international perceptions.
