A cultural gathering organized by the Cochin University BTech Alumni Association (CUBAA) in Dubai has landed in controversy after former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi made an unexpected appearance, receiving an enthusiastic welcome from attendees. The event, titled Ormachuvadukal Season 2, took place on May 25, 2025, at the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD). The emergence of a video showing the crowd cheering Afridi has stirred criticism online, particularly in India, due to his recent comments following the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir.

Shahid Afridi’s presence at an event in Dubai sparks massive outrage

The controversy intensified when a video clip from the event surfaced on social media, showing Afridi receiving loud applause and chants of “Boom Boom” from the audience, primarily comprising Keralite expatriates. The hosts briefly paused their performance to acknowledge his arrival. Afridi, visibly delighted, spoke fondly about Kerala’s cuisine and responded with his trademark phrase, ‘Hogaya Boom Boom.’ Fellow Pakistani cricketer UMR GUL was also seen at the event, which added to the celebratory mood.

However, the positive reception quickly turned into a point of contention, especially among Indian social media users. Afridi had earlier sparked outrage with his remarks on Pakistani news channel Samaa TV following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. In his comments, Afridi had sharply criticized Indian security forces, calling them “ineffective,” and mocked the Indian media’s coverage of the incident. He also dismissed the Indian cricket fraternity’s reaction, which had condemned Pakistan for the attack, later claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked group.

Given the sensitivity surrounding the issue, Afridi’s warm reception by a section of the Indian diaspora drew accusations of being ‘tone-deaf’ and ‘disrespectful’ to the victims of the Pahalgam tragedy.

Here’s the video:

Organizers respond with clarification and apology

Amid mounting criticism, CUBAA issued a public statement on May 30, 2025, expressing regret over the incident and clarifying their position. The organization stated that Afridi and Gul’s presence was neither planned nor invited, as the cricketers were attending a separate event at the same venue—a Guinness World Record attempt involving the largest UAE flag made from handprints.

CUBAA explained that the venue was chosen for its affordability and booked well before the Pahalgam attack took place. They acknowledged that the crowd’s reaction to Afridi’s sudden appearance was spontaneous and beyond the control of the organizers.

“We deeply regret any pain or offense caused to our fellow Indians. Our intention was solely to celebrate the rich cultural traditions of Kerala and foster inclusiveness in alignment with the values of our nation,” read the official statement.

The association emphasized that the brief halt in the event to acknowledge Afridi was not premeditated, and reiterated that both Afridi and Gul were not part of their official lineup. They concluded by extending their sympathies to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and reaffirmed their dedication to promoting cultural unity within the Indian diaspora.