Kerala Community Faces Backlash Over Dubai Event With Pakistani Cricketer Shahid Afridi
Kerala Community in Dubai Faces Backlash for Welcoming Shahid Afridi Amid Anti-India Remarks
A Kerala-based cultural community in Dubai is under intense scrutiny and facing widespread criticism on social media after warmly hosting former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi at a recent public event. The backlash stems from Afridi’s recent controversial statements concerning India, particularly in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 individuals, intensifying tensions between India and Pakistan.
Warm Reception Amid Controversy
The incident unfolded during a cultural gathering in Dubai, where Afridi was welcomed on stage with loud cheers, chants of “Boom Boom” — a reference to his popular nickname — and visible enthusiasm from attendees. A video of the moment, widely circulated on social media, shows community members pausing their scheduled performance to greet the former cricketer, who reciprocated the warm reception by saying, “Hogaya Boom Boom.”
During his brief address to the gathering, Afridi expressed his appreciation for Indian culture, stating, “I especially like the Kerala part in India and its food.” However, this seemingly cordial gesture was overshadowed by his recent public comments made on Pakistani television, where he strongly criticized India’s security apparatus following the Pahalgam attack.
Afridi’s Controversial Statements
Speaking in April on Pakistan’s Samaa TV, Shahid Afridi downplayed Pakistan’s alleged role in the Pahalgam terror incident and sharply criticized the Indian Armed Forces. “Even if a firecracker were to burst in India, fingers will always be pointed at Pakistan,” Afridi remarked, dismissing accusations that Pakistani-based terror outfits were responsible.
He went on to blame the Indian military for the security lapse, stating, “Tum logon ki 8 lakh hi fauj hai Kashmir mein aur yeh ho gaya. Iska matlab nalayak ho, nikamme ho na tum log security de nahi sake logon ko.” Translated, he said, “You have an 800,000-strong army in Kashmir and this still happened. That means you’re inefficient and useless if you can’t ensure people’s safety.”
Afridi also took aim at Indian media, accusing it of dramatizing the incident and comparing its coverage to a Bollywood film. He further appeared to mock Indian cricketers for publicly linking Pakistan to the attack.
Context of the Pahalgam Attack
The Pahalgam terror attack, which occurred in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including security personnel and civilians. The Resistance Front (TRF), an affiliate of the banned Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the assault. The incident reignited long-standing diplomatic and military tensions between India and Pakistan.
In light of this backdrop, the community’s decision to honor Afridi so soon after his inflammatory remarks has raised serious questions about public sensitivity, patriotism, and the line between cultural exchange and national loyalty.
Public Reaction and Online Outrage
The video of Afridi’s appearance at the Dubai event quickly went viral after it was shared by an X (formerly Twitter) handle with the caption: “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.”
Thousands of netizens weighed in on the incident, expressing anger and disappointment. One user commented, “Patriotism gone for a six… what a shame. Expected better from them.” Another remarked, “How much disloyal can you be to your nation… learn from the most literate people… Disgraceful!”
A third user questioned the community’s judgment, asking, “Don’t they have anyone from Indian origin? Shame to see these things happening.”
The backlash is not limited to isolated comments but represents a growing frustration among Indian social media users over perceived insensitivity toward national issues by diaspora communities.
The Broader Implications
This incident raises broader questions about the responsibilities of overseas Indian communities in politically sensitive times. While cultural events are often intended to promote unity and goodwill, honoring figures with recent records of inflammatory statements — particularly those seen as undermining national interest — can have unintended diplomatic and social consequences.
Moreover, the controversy underscores the power and volatility of social media in shaping public discourse. What might have once been a local event quickly transformed into a national-level controversy due to viral video clips and emotionally charged reactions.
No Official Response Yet
As of now, there has been no official statement from the Kerala community involved in the event or from Indian diplomatic authorities in Dubai. It remains to be seen whether any action or clarification will follow.
Shahid Afridi, for his part, has not commented further on the backlash or addressed the growing discontent in India regarding his recent appearances and remarks.
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