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Cochin University alumni group in Dubai says it did not invite former Pakistan cricketers, who arrived at the event without prior notice.
Dubai-based Kerala expat group distances itself from Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi visit after social media uproar over his presence at cultural event. (IMAGE: X)
The Cochin University BTech Alumni Association (CUBAA) has clarified that former Pakistan cricketers Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul appeared uninvited at their cultural event in Dubai last week, saying the organisers were caught off guard and “couldn’t ask them to leave.”
The cricketers showed up at Ormachuvadukal Season 2, an inter-collegiate dance competition hosted by CUBAA at the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) on May 25. The group said their presence was “unsolicited” and came just as the event was winding up.
In viral videos from the event, Afridi can be seen stepping on stage to loud cheers and chants of “Boom Boom,” his nickname from his playing days. The 47-year-old responded to the crowd saying, “Hogaya Boom Boom,” prompting further applause.
Afridi’s appearance has drawn backlash online, particularly because it comes weeks after he made disparaging remarks about India following the Pahalgam terror attack. Afridi has frequently criticised India and made politically loaded statements, especially on Kashmir.
CUBAA has maintained that the event was entirely cultural in nature and that no political undertone was intended. “We would like to formally address recent concerns… These cricketers made an unannounced and unsolicited appearance at our event,” the organisers said in a statement.
While India is in the middle of #OperationSindoorthe “Indian Kerala community” in UAE was busy cheering Shahid Afridi & Umar Gul. Kerala once again shows its true colours celebrating Pakistani stars while our soldiers fight on the frontlines.
Priorities, right? #KeralaModel… pic.twitter.com/cKVWTU7FYy
– महारथी- Maharathi (@mahharathii) May 30, 2025
“Given the surprise nature of their visit, we were unable to restrict their access or 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 apologize to those affected,” the group further added.
After the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 innocent civilians, Shahid Afridi appeared on Pakistani television and blamed Indian security forces, questioning their competence. “You have an 800,000-strong army in Kashmir and this still happened. It means you are inefficient and useless if you can’t provide security to the people,” he said.
Following India’s precision strikes on Pakistani military sites during Operation Sindoor, Afridi was also seen leading a car rally in Pakistan, falsely projecting the developments as a victory for his country.
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev…Read More
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev… Read More
- Location :
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
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