New Delhi: Sparking significant outrage across India, tevent featured former Pakistani cricketers Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul as special guests in an event reportedly organized under the leadership of the 2024–25 CUBAA committee. The gathering has not been well received by many Indians. The event featured former Pakistani cricketers Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul as special guests. The gathering has not been well received by many Indians.
Shahid Afridi, a well-known Pakistani cricketer, has a history of making anti-India statements and has previously criticized the Indian Army. Many Indians were shocked to see the Malayali association warmly welcoming Afridi.
As Afridi arrived at the event, cultural performances were paused, and community members broke into chants of “Boom Boom,” referring to the cricketer’s famous nickname. Afridi responded with, “Hogaya Boom Boom,” further fueling the controversy.
Context and Controversy
The backlash intensified due to the timing of the event—just days after the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, in which 26 innocent tourists were killed. Subsequent military operations also resulted in the deaths of soldiers along the border.
“The Mysterious India Series”: Shahid Afridi criticizes India and the Indian armed forces while supporting extremists, yet the Indian community from Kerala in Dubai welcomes him.” My head bows in shame and my blood boils. What would that soldier on borders would think when he… pic.twitter.com/kYU4pmKos8
— Lt Col Sushil Singh Sheoran, Veteran (@SushilS27538625) May 30, 2025
The event was reportedly organized under the leadership of the 2024–25 CUBAA committee. The members now face widespread backlash for hosting Afridi, especially in light of recent events.
Afridi’s Remarks on Pahalgam Attack
Afridi had earlier appeared on Pakistan’s Samaa TV in April, where he commented: “If a firecracker goes off in India, fingers are always pointed at Pakistan.”
He went further, blaming the Indian armed forces for the Pahalgam attack, saying:
“Tum logon ki 8 lakh ki fauj hai Kashmir mein aur yeh ho gaya. Iska matlab nalayak ho, nikamme ho na tum log — security de nahi sake logon ko.”
(You have an 800,000-strong army in Kashmir and this still happened. That means you’re incompetent, useless—you couldn’t even provide security to your people.)
He also criticized Indian media coverage of the attack and appeared to take a veiled jab at Indian cricketers who had suggested Pakistan’s involvement.
Social Media Backlash
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
“What a shame!! – Desperate Keralites welcome this Anti-India Paki with ‘Boom Boom’ at an event in Dubai, especially after Pahalgam terror attack and his venomous stand against India.”
Another post read:
“Patriotism gone for a six..what a shame. Expected better from them (Kerala community).”
A third user commented:
“How much Disloyal can you be to your nation…learn from the most literate people… Disgraceful!”
Someone else questioned:
“Don’t they have anyone of Indian origin to invite? Shame to see this happen.”
