A community of Keralites in Dubai has come under intense scrutiny on social media after giving a warm reception to former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi during a recent public gathering.

The backlash stems from Afridi’s controversial comments made after the Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April, which claimed the lives of 26 people and heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.

Viral video triggers backlash

A video circulating widely across social media platforms shows Afridi being welcomed enthusiastically on stage by the community, greeted with applause and loud chants of “Boom Boom”, referencing the cricketer’s popular nickname.

Afridi, smiling, responded with, “Hogaya Boom Boom,” before addressing the crowd and expressing his fondness for Kerala, particularly its cuisine.

The community even paused an ongoing cultural performance to celebrate Afridi’s arrival, a gesture that has not gone down well with many online.

The cricketer had attended an event called ‘Ormachuvadukul 2025’ organised by the Cochin University B.Tech Alumni Association (CUBAA) at the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) Auditorium in Oudh Metha, Dubai on May 25.

Afridi’s remarks spark outrage

Critics have pointed to Afridi’s remarks on Pakistani television following the Pahalgam attack, where he suggested that India’s security forces failed in their duties.

Speaking on Samaa TV, he 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 further dismissed Indian media coverage of the attack, comparing it to a Bollywood film, and indirectly criticised Indian cricketers who had linked Pakistan to the attack.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a group associated with the banned Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the incident.

Public reaction and online criticism

Social media users were quick to express their disapproval. A clip of the Dubai event, posted by an X user 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,” quickly gained traction online.

Another user remarked, “Patriotism gone for a six... what a shame. Expected better from them (Kerala community).”

One comment read, “How much disloyal can you be to your nation… learn from the most literate people… Disgraceful!” Others questioned why a figure from India had not been invited instead.