Outrage Over Pak Cricketers’ Presence In CUSAT Alumni Body’s Dubai Event
A cultural event organised by the Cochin University BTech Alumni Association (CUBAA) in Dubai has sparked widespread controversy after former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi was warmly received on stage.
The incident, captured in a viral video from the Ormachuvadukal Season 2 dance competition on 25 May 2025, has drawn sharp criticism on social media, particularly in light of recent India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terrorist attack on 22 April, which killed 26 civilians, including N. Ramachandran from Kerala.
The video shows Afridi being escorted on stage at the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) venue, with the crowd chanting “Boom Boom,” his nickname, as the programme paused.
Outrage Over Pak Cricketers’ Presence In CUSAT Alumni Body’s Dubai Event https://t.co/LKZmVEY5kI #cusat #dubai #pakcricketer #CochinUniversity #indiapakistantension #shahidafridi #PahalgamTerrorAttack
— Timeline. (@timelinelatest) May 31, 2025
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Afridi responded jovially, praising Kerala’s cuisine. However, his appearance infuriated many, given his recent remarks on Pakistan’s Samaa TV, where he mocked the Indian Army’s security efforts in Kashmir, calling them “inefficient” and ridiculing Indian media coverage of the attack. These comments, made days after the Pahalgam incident, intensified the backlash against CUBAA.
Social media erupted with accusations of CUBAA “glorifying an anti-India figure.” A tweet by MeghUpdates condemned the event, stating, “Desperate Keralites welcome this Anti-India Paki with ‘Boom Boom’ post-Pahalgam attack.”
Journalist Aditya Raj Kaul questioned the decision to host Afridi and Umar Gul, noting the insensitivity given Ramachandran’s death. Netizens labelled the event “disgraceful,” criticising the lack of Indian representation.
CUBAA issued a statement clarifying that Afridi’s presence was unplanned. The venue was booked on 5 April, before the attack, for its affordability, having been used for Season 1.
On the same day, Afridi and others attended a separate Guinness World Record event for the largest UAE flag made with handprints at PAD.
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As CUBAA’s event concluded, the cricketers made an unannounced appearance. “No member of our team invited them,” CUBAA stated, adding that the surprise visit left them unable to control access or the crowd’s reaction.
The association expressed deep regret for any offence caused, emphasising that their actions were unintentional. “We remain committed to our country’s inclusive spirit,” the statement concluded.
CUBAA statement:
“CUBAA Clarifies Unplanned Appearance at our recent Event
Cochin University BTech Alumni (CUBAA), organizers of the Inter-Collegiate Dance Competition Ormachuvadukal Season 2, would like to formally address recent concerns regarding the presence of two prominent cricketers from a neighboring country at our event held on May 25, 2025, at PAD Dubai.
We had officially booked and announced PAD Dubai as the venue for Ormachuvadukal Season 2 on April 05* 2025, well before the recent geopolitical tensions between India and a neighboring nation began. The same venue was used for Season 1 last year due to its affordability.
At the time of our event, the diplomatic tensions had already eased. Due to the unavailability of an alternative venue on short notice, we proceeded with the program as scheduled at PAD Dubai.On May 25, 2025 same day as our event, the aforementioned cricketers visited the same venue as part of the Guinness World Record for Largest UAE Flag with Handprints. This is reported in a prominent UAE newspaper Gulf News article published on May 27, 2025. This flag was displayed on the the main entrance of the Auditorium where our event was being conducted.
As our program was concluding, these cricketers made an unannounced and unsolicited appearance at our event, which was held in the same auditorium. We would like to categorically state that no member of our organizing team, officials or alumni members invited them nor coordinated this appearance. Our officially published event schedule, which does not include these individuals as guests, further supports this.
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.
We remain committed to maintaining the cultural and inclusive spirit of our country. We appreciate the continued support and understanding of the wider community.
Jai Hind,
The Organizing Committee Ormachuvadukal Season-2.”
