Following widespread backlash over video clip showing Pakistani cricketers Shahid Afridi, Umar Gul being cheered upon by Keralites in 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 in which they express “deep regret” and apology.

Unplanned appearance sparks controversy

The incident occurred during the Ormachuvadukal Season 2 inter-collegiate dance competition, held on 25 May 2025 at the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD). The video, widely shared on social media, captures Afridi being warmly welcomed on stage by the audience, alongside Umar Gul.

As Afridi entered, chants of "Boom Boom"—a reference to his well-known nickname—erupted from the crowd. Responding with a smile, the 47-year-old cricketer said, “Hogaya Boom Boom.”

The community even paused an ongoing cultural performance to mark Afridi’s arrival, a gesture that drew sharp reactions online.

CUBAA clarifies venue and timeline

In its official statement, CUBAA expressed “deep regret” and clarified the sequence of events. The association stated that PAD Dubai had been booked as the venue as early as 5 April 2025, well before the escalation of geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan. The same venue had been used for the event’s previous edition due to cost efficiency.

CUBAA further noted that by the date of the event, diplomatic tensions had subsided, and no alternative venue was available on such short notice. Consequently, the event proceeded as planned.

Afridi and Gul not invited, says CUBAA

The statement emphasised that Afridi and Gul were not invited by the organisers. According to CUBAA, the two cricketers happened to be at the same venue on the same day for a separate event related to the Guinness World Record attempt for the Largest UAE Flag with Handprints. This was reported in a Gulf News article dated 27 May 2025.

CUBAA asserted that the cricketers’ appearance at their event was entirely “unannounced and unsolicited” and that none of the organising team or alumni had coordinated their arrival. The association also pointed to the published event schedule, which made no mention of either Afridi or Gul.

Due to the surprise nature of their visit and the lack of time to manage the situation, the organisers said they were unable to control the crowd response appropriately.

“Sincerely apologise” for offence caused

“We regret any confusion or inconvenience caused to attendees, participants, or supporters due to this unplanned development,” CUBAA said, adding, “We deeply regret any hurt or offence our actions may have caused. It was never our intention, and we sincerely apologise to those affected.”

They concluded the statement by reaffirming their commitment to preserving the cultural and inclusive spirit of India and thanked the wider community for its continued support.

Criticism over Afridi’s past remarks

The backlash is largely attributed to Afridi’s controversial comments following the 22 April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people. The Resistance Front (TRF), affiliated with the banned Pakistani terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack.

Speaking on Pakistan’s Samaa TV, Afridi had 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.”

He also dismissed Indian media coverage of the incident, likening it to a Bollywood production, and made indirect jabs at Indian cricketers who had blamed Pakistan for the attack.