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Kerala Community in Dubai Faces Criticism for Welcoming Shahid Afridi Amid Controversial Remarks
A Kerala-based community in Dubai is facing criticism on social media after warmly receiving former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi at a recent cultural event. The backlash follows Afridi’s controversial remarks concerning the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people and heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
During the event, cultural performances were temporarily halted as Afridi entered, with attendees chanting “Boom Boom,” the cricketer’s popular nickname. Afridi responded by saying, “Hogaya Boom Boom,” drawing applause from the audience. He also expressed his fondness for Kerala, stating that he especially likes “the Kerala part in India and its food.”
The warm reception has triggered sharp criticism online, as many pointed to Afridi’s past comments on Indian security forces.
Afridi also criticized Indian media’s coverage of the attack, comparing it to a “Bollywood script,” and appeared to take a veiled swipe at Indian cricketers who had pointed fingers at Pakistan.
A video of the Dubai event, shared by an X user, was captioned: “What a shame!!, Desperate Keralites welcome this Anti-India Paki with ‘Boom Boom’… especially after the Pahalgam terror attack and his venomous stand against India.” The post went viral, sparking further outrage.
The incident has also reignited discussions about the Indian diaspora’s engagement with political sensitivities. The UAE hosts a large and influential Indian expatriate community, with Keralites forming one of the most prominent groups. Kerala’s cultural associations in the Gulf regularly organize events featuring international celebrities and dignitaries. However, the decision to invite and celebrate Afridi particularly so soon after his contentious remarks has raised eyebrows.
As of now, the Kerala community involved in the event has not issued a statement addressing the controversy.
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22, 2024, was one of the deadliest in recent years in the Kashmir Valley. The ambush on an army convoy left 26 soldiers dead and several others injured. The incident led to increased security operations in the region and renewed diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, with India accusing Pakistan-based terror groups of orchestrating the assault.
