Controversy Erupts Over Shahid Afridi’s Presence at CUSAT Alumni Event in Dubai

The alumni association of Kerala’s Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) recently found itself in turbulent waters after extending a warm welcome to former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi at a cultural event in Dubai. The backlash is being intensified by a backdrop of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22.

The Event: Celebration Turns Controversial

At the heart of the controversy was the "Ormachuvadukal Season 2" event, an inter-collegiate dance competition organized by the Cochin University BTech Alumni Association (CUBAA). As Afridi made his entrance, the ongoing cultural program was interrupted, and enthusiastic shouts of "Boom Boom"—a nod to Afridi’s nickname—broke out among the audience. He responded playfully, "Hogaya Boom Boom," and took a moment to praise Kerala’s rich culture and cuisine.

However, this warm reception quickly transformed into a point of contention on social media, where users accused the alumni association of "glorifying an anti-India figure." This criticism is particularly poignant given the recent violent incidents between the two nations.

The Social Media Backlash

The intense reactions on platforms like Twitter have been hard-hitting. One notable tweet by the account MeghUpdates expressed outrage, stating, “What a shame!! Desperate Keralites welcome this Anti-India Paki with ‘Boom Boom’ at an event in Dubai, especially after the Pahalgam terror attack and his venomous stand against India.”

Others echoed similar sentiments, asserting that such displays of hospitality compromised their patriotism. Some commentators specifically called for greater accountability and representation of Indian figures at the event, labeling the moment as "disgraceful" for the Indian diaspora in Dubai.

Afridi’s Controversial Statements

Adding insult to injury, Afridi’s inflammatory remarks made shortly after the Pahalgam incident stoked further outrage. During an appearance on Pakistan’s Samaa TV, he criticized the capabilities of the Indian Army in Kashmir, suggesting that their inability to prevent the attack reflected poorly on their effectiveness. He characterized media portrayals of the tragedy as akin to a Bollywood storyline, which only intensified the ire directed at him.

CUBAA’s Official Stance

Recognizing the storm of criticism brewing, CUBAA quickly issued a formal statement to clarify the circumstances surrounding Afridi’s appearance. They explained that Afridi’s presence was neither scheduled nor desired by the organizing committee. Significantly, the venue—Pakistan Association Dubai—had been secured for the event on April 5, well before the Pahalgam attack, due to budget considerations.

The organization further revealed that on the day of their event, Afridi and other Pakistani cricketers were at the venue for an unrelated Guinness World Record attempt involving the largest UAE flag made with handprints. The CUBAA organizers stated that these cricketers unexpectedly joined their event unannounced, which the alumni association was not prepared to handle.

Audience Reaction and Regrets

Despite its explanations, CUBAA acknowledged the unexpected nature of Afridi’s entry made it impossible to manage the attendees’ reactions effectively. They emphasized their regret for any hurt or offense caused by the situation, asserting that welcoming Afridi was never their intention. The statement reflects the complexity of organizing events in a diverse cultural landscape, where unexpected guest appearances can catalyze significant backlash.

In an era where the intersection of culture, politics, and social dynamics is increasingly fraught, this incident highlights the challenges faced by diaspora communities, particularly when navigating sensitive geopolitical landscapes.