Backlash Over Pakistani Cricketers at CUSAT Alumni Event in Dubai

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, an alumni association linked to Kerala’s Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) is facing significant online criticism. This stems from the appearance of two notable Pakistani cricketers, Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul, at a cultural event staged by the Cochin University B.Tech Alumni Association, UAE Chapter (CUBAA). The event took place on May 25, drawing widespread attention and controversy in the wake of ongoing geopolitical strife.

The Event: A Cultural Gathering Turned Controversial

Videos surfaced online showcasing Afridi being welcomed at the Ormachuvadukal Season 2, an inter-collegiate dance competition. As Afridi entered, attendees erupted with cheers and chants of “Boom,” a moniker associated with the iconic cricketer. However, the timing of this celebration could not have been more fraught, occurring merely weeks after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which tragically claimed the lives of 26 tourists. This attack exacerbated existing tensions, leading India to launch Operation Sindoor, aimed at eliminating threats from several terror sites across Pakistan.

Internet Outrage and Backlash

As the videos circulated online, netizens quickly condemned the CUBAA for allowing the participation of former Pakistani athletes, especially in light of Afridi’s previous criticisms against the Indian armed forces. Comments on social media reflected a mix of frustration, disappointment, and outrage, branding the alumni association’s decision as tone-deaf given the current political climate.

CUBAA’s Response

In light of the backlash, CUBAA issued a formal statement attempting to clarify the circumstances surrounding the event. The association emphasized that Afridi and Gul were "not invited" by them, asserting that the venue had been booked back on April 5—prior to any heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.

CUBAA expressed its sincere apologies, stating, “We regret any confusion or inconvenience caused to attendees, participants, or supporters due to this unplanned development. We deeply regret any hurt or offence our actions may have caused. It was never our intention, and we sincerely apologise to those affected.” This statement indicated a desire to distance themselves from the incident while acknowledging the emotional weight of the situation.

The Cricketers’ Unexpected Visit

The association elaborated that the appearance of the cricketers was not orchestrated by their organising team. Rather, they claimed that Afridi and Gul were present at the venue in connection with a separate event aimed at setting a Guinness World Record for the largest UAE flag decorated with handprints. CUBAA insisted that the cricketers made an unannounced appearance just as the alumni event was concluding, without prior coordination or invitation.

The CUBAA further reinforced their stance with an official event schedule, asserting that it did not list Afridi and Gul as guests, thus maintaining that the visit was entirely unexpected.

Implications for Community and Relations

This incident reflects the complex nature of cultural interactions amid geopolitical tensions. For many diaspora communities, such events are often viewed as opportunities for celebration and unity. However, they can also become flashpoints, igniting heated debates about nationalist sentiment and cross-border relations.

The backlash against the CUBAA illuminates how sports figures like Afridi can evoke strong feelings in a divided landscape, especially in the context of violent incidents that resonate deeply across the borders. The event serves as a reminder of the sensitive cultural and emotional undercurrents that can lie beneath seemingly innocuous gatherings, highlighting how quickly celebrations can morph into controversies in our interconnected world.

Through this episode, the CUBAA is now confronted with the challenge of navigating community relations, responding to backlash, and maintaining their focus on cultural heritage while remaining sensitive to the political realities surrounding their events.