Shahid Afridi’s Dubai Appearance Sparks Outrage After Anti-India Remarks: Everything We Know So Far

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Shahid Afridi’s Dubai appearance on May 25 at an Indian alumni cultural event has triggered a firestorm, coming just days after his pro-Kashmir rally in Karachi and inflammatory comments on Indian forces and the Pahalgam attack.

Afridi had recently accused Indian media of dramatizing terror incidents as “Bollywood fiction” and ridiculed the military’s presence in Kashmir during a televised interview. His unexpected entry at a student show hosted by Cochin University B.Tech Alumni Association (CUBAA), held at the Pakistan Association Dubai, drew cheers but also fierce criticism, especially from Indians online. CUBAA insists it was unplanned.

A viral clip of Afridi grinning and saying “Hogaya Boom Boom” has only intensified the anger. Many have called the moment disgraceful, accusing organizers of poor judgment and betrayal of sentiment.

Afridi’s Remarks That Stirred the Fire

Just weeks before showing up in Dubai, Afridi made headlines in Pakistan for his aggressive rhetoric during a Samaa TV appearance. Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack, he questioned India’s control in Kashmir, stating (via Telegraph India), “You have 800,000 troops in Kashmir, and still this happened?” He then derided Indian media’s coverage, saying it had been turned into “Bollywood drama.” Afridi’s remarks were widely condemned in India, especially after he mocked Indian cricketers for condemning terrorism.

The Controversial Dubai Appearance

On May 25, Afridi unexpectedly turned up at a cultural night titled Ormachuvadukal Season 2, organised by CUBAA. The event, which was being held at the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD), saw the former cricketer walk onto the stage, with some members of the crowd chanting “Boom Boom.” In response, Afridi smirked and said, “Hogaya Boom Boom.” The moment, captured on video, went viral almost instantly and triggered public outrage.

Backlash from Indian Social Media

Indian citizens, particularly from Kerala, were quick to voice their frustration. Tweets condemned the incident, calling it “unforgivable” and a “betrayal of national sentiment.” One user wrote, “What a shame! Desperate Keralites welcome this anti-India Paki, especially after Pahalgam.” Another added, “Patriotism gone for a six… Expected better.” The reaction was harsh, cutting across both political lines and diaspora identities.

CUBAA’s Explanation: “It Was Unplanned”

CUBAA issued a formal clarification titled “CUBAA Clarifies Unplanned Appearance at Our Event.” According to their statement, Afridi and fellow ex-cricketer Umar Gul were present at PAD for a Guinness World Record attempt involving the “Largest UAE Flag with handprints.” CUBAA claimed they had no prior knowledge or coordination with the cricketers. “Given the surprise nature of their visit, we were unable to restrict their access or manage the crowd response appropriately in that short period,” the statement read.

Venue Choice Adds to the Heat

Many questioned why CUBAA chose a Pakistani venue for an Indian alumni event in the first place. In response, the group clarified that PAD had been booked on April 5, long before any geopolitical controversy arose. They cited affordability and logistical ease as the reason. “As our programme was concluding, the cricketers made an unannounced entry into the auditorium,” the statement added.

Despite the explanations, many Indians, both in India and abroad, remain unsatisfied. The overlap of political tensions, Afridi’s recent remarks, and the optics of an Indian group cheering him on foreign soil has left a sour taste.