Cochin University BTech Alumni Association (CUBAA) apologizes for the unexpected appearance of Pakistani cricketers Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul at their Dubai event.
Following widespread backlash over a video clip showing Pakistani cricketers Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul being cheered by Keralites at an event organised by Cochin University B.Tech Alumni Association (CUBAA) at the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) last week, the event organisers have issued a clarification expressing “deep regret” and an apology.
Unplanned Appearance Sparks Controversy
The incident occurred during the Ormachuvadukal Season 2 inter-collegiate dance competition, held on 25 May 2025. A video that quickly went viral captured Afridi being welcomed on stage to roaring applause and chants of “Boom Boom,” a nod to his iconic nickname. This lively reception saw the crowd momentarily pausing an ongoing cultural performance, triggering online outrage.
CUBAA Clarifies Venue and Timeline
Responding to the backlash, CUBAA released a statement outlining the circumstances of the event. They expressed their “deep regret” over the unforeseen developments, clarifying that PAD Dubai had been booked well before recent geopolitical tensions escalated. The venue had been chosen for its cost-effectiveness, being the same location used for previous editions of the event.
According to CUBAA, the timing of the event coincided with a relative easing of diplomatic tensions, and alternative venues were not an option on such short notice. The event proceeded as planned, despite the circumstances.
Afridi and Gul Not Invited, Says CUBAA
In a key point within their clarification, CUBAA stressed that the two cricketers were not formally invited to the event. They were at the venue due to their participation in a separate occasion linked to a Guinness World Record attempt for the Largest UAE Flag with Handprints on the same day. This information was corroborated by reporting in Gulf News shortly after the event.
The organisers insisted that the appearance of Afridi and Gul was entirely “unannounced and unsolicited,” with no coordination between the cricketers and the CUBAA team. The event schedule made no references to either cricketer, thus highlighting the surprise of their attendance.
Recognizing the unforeseen nature of this visit and the subsequent crowd response, the CUBAA stated they faced challenges in managing the situation effectively.
“Sincerely Apologise” for Offense Caused
CUBAA extended their heartfelt apologies in their statement, saying, “We regret any confusion or inconvenience caused to attendees, participants, or supporters due to this unplanned development,” adding, “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 reassured their commitment to cultural inclusivity, thanking the community for its ongoing support.
Criticism Over Afridi’s Past Remarks
The backlash against Afridi was significantly fueled by his controversial comments following a terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025, which resulted in the tragic loss of 26 lives. Afridi’s remarks during a television interview dismissed the Indian military’s effectiveness, suggesting there was a prevailing security issue in Kashmir.
In a highly controversial statement, he said, “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.” His dismissive attitude towards Indian media coverage, which he compared to a Bollywood production, along with indirect insults directed at Indian cricketers, only added fuel to the fire of public discontent.
