A Kerala-based community in Dubai is facing widespread backlash on social media after extending a warm welcome to former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi during a recent event. The group’s hospitality was met with heavy criticism online, with many pointing to Afridi’s contentious remarks following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives and heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
A widely circulated video shows Afridi receiving an enthusiastic reception on stage, greeted by loud cheers from the crowd. During his address, Afridi remarked that he especially enjoys “the Kerala part in India and its food.” The cultural program was momentarily halted as community members broke into chants of “Boom Boom,” Afridi’s iconic nickname, to which he replied, “Hogaya Boom Boom.”
"The Mysterious India Series": Shahid Afridi criticizes India and the Indian armed forces while supporting extremists, yet the Indian community from Kerala in Dubai welcomes him." My head bows in shame and my blood boils. What would that soldier on borders would think when he… pic.twitter.com/kYU4pmKos8
— Lt Col Sushil Singh Sheoran, Veteran (@SushilS27538625) May 30, 2025
Afridi’s controversial stance on Pahalgam attack
Afridi has consistently voiced anti-India views, particularly amid the ongoing diplomatic and military strains between the two countries. Speaking on Pakistan’s Samaa TV in April, he asserted that even “if a firecracker were to burst in India, fingers will always be pointed at Pakistan.” He went on to blame the Pahalgam attack on Indian security forces, 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 (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).”
Afridi also took aim at the Indian media’s coverage of the incident, mocking it as resembling a Bollywood film, and appeared to make subtle digs at Indian cricketers who pointed fingers at Pakistan for the attack. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the banned Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), later claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam strike.
Outrage on social media
The video from the Dubai event quickly went viral after being 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.”
Reactions poured in across platforms, condemning the community’s actions. One user commented, “Patriotism gone for a six..what a shame. Expected better from them (Kerala community).”
Another wrote, “How much Disloyal can you be to your nation…learn from the most literate people… Disgraceful!”
A third questioned, “Don’t they have anyone from India origin!! Shame to see these happen.”