Why is the Kerala community in Dubai linked to Shahid Afridi? Uncover the truth behind the viral controversy and clear up the name confusion.
Table Of Contents
Introduction
In May 2025, a video capturing former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi being warmly welcomed by a Kerala community group in Dubai went viral, sparking a heated online debate.
The crowd’s enthusiastic chants of “Boom Boom” and Afridi’s friendly remarks about Kerala’s culture and cuisine were met with outrage, particularly in India, due to his recent anti-India comments following a terror attack.
Amid the uproar, a curious question emerged: Is the Kerala community in Dubai called “Shahid Afridi” for the event?
This report investigates the incident in depth, separating fact from fiction and exploring how a single event led to widespread misunderstanding.
Background Context
Who Is Shahid Afridi?
Shahid Afridi is a former Pakistani cricketer who was celebrated for his aggressive batting and leg-spin bowling.
Known as “Boom Boom” for his explosive style, he enjoys a global fan base.
However, Afridi has also been a polarizing figure due to his outspoken comments on India-Pakistan relations, often stirring controversy.
The Kerala Community In Dubai
The Kerala community, also known as the Malayali community, is a significant expatriate group in Dubai that organizes vibrant cultural events such as dance competitions and festivals.
These gatherings celebrate their heritage from Kerala, a state in southern India.
The Cochin University B.Tech Alumni Association (CUBAA) is one such group that is actively involved in community activities.
The Event: Ormachuvadukal Season 2
On May 25, 2025, CUBAA hosted the “Ormachuvadukal Season 2” intercollegiate dance competition at the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD).
As noted by CUBAA, the venue was chosen for its affordability.
Concurrently, PAD hosted another event: a Guinness World Record attempt for the enormous UAE flag made with handprints, attended by Shahid Afridi and former cricketer Umar Gul.
The Incident
During the dance competition, Afridi and Gul unexpectedly appeared at the CUBAA event.
According to CUBAA’s statement, their visit was unannounced and unsolicited, occurring as the program concluded.
The crowd caught up in the moment and welcomed them with loud cheers and chants of “Boom Boom,” Afridi’s famous nickname.
Afridi took the stage and expressed his fondness for Kerala’s culture and food, which was captured in a video that quickly spread online.
The Controversy
The warm reception of Afridi sparked significant backlash, primarily due to his recent comments following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives.
Afridi had blamed the Indian Army for security lapses, statements perceived as anti-India and inflammatory, especially amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions following Operation Sindoor.
Social media users criticized the Kerala community for disloyalty and insensitivity.
Posts on X, such as one stating, “Patriotism gone for a six… what a shame. Expected better from them (Kerala community),” reflected the intense public sentiment.
Addressing The Core Question: Did The Community (Cubaa) Call Shahid Afridi?
No credible evidence suggests that the Kerala community in Dubai (CUBAA) invited Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul as guests.
The association with Afridi likely stems from the viral video and subsequent online reactions, some of which sarcastically linked the community to him.
Social Media’s Role In The Misunderstanding
Social media amplified the controversy, with posts exaggerating or misrepresenting the event.
Some users mocked the community’s literacy, with comments like “Kerala 100% literacy saar!” while others labeled the welcome as “shameful” or “anti-India.”
While emotionally charged, these reactions often lacked context, contributing to the false narrative that the community was named after Afridi or was closely aligned with him.
Analysis: Why Did This Happen?
This incident highlights the power of social media to distort reality.
A spontaneous moment welcoming a celebrity at a shared venue was taken out of context, leading to widespread criticism.
Several factors contributed:
- Viral Video: The video’s rapid spread and Afridi’s controversial remarks fueled outrage.
- Sarcastic Commentary: Some social media posts, some sarcastic or inflammatory, may have led to misconceptions about the community’s name.
- Political Sensitivity: The timing, amid India-Pakistan tensions, heightened emotions, makes the community an easy target for criticism.
This case underscores the importance of verifying information before forming judgments.
The Kerala community’s identity remains rooted in their cultural heritage, not in any association with Afridi.
Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | May 25, 2025 |
| Organizer | Cochin University B.Tech Alumni Association (CUBAA) |
| Event Type | Ormachuvadukal Season 2 inter-collegiate dance competition |
| Venue | Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) |
| Uninvited Guests | Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul |
| Reason for Presence | Attending a Guinness World Record event for the largest UAE flag |
| Community’s Response | Welcomed them with cheers and “Boom Boom” chants |
| Backlash | Criticism for welcoming Afridi due to his anti-India remarks |
| Clarification | CUBAA stated Afridi and Gul were not invited and issued an apology |
Conclusion
The confusion arose from a misinterpreted event where Afridi appeared uninvited at a CUBAA-organized dance competition, leading to a viral video and subsequent backlash.
While spontaneous, the community’s warm welcome was controversial due to Afridi’s recent anti-India remarks, but it does not reflect their official name or identity.
This incident serves as a reminder to seek context and verify facts in an era where misinformation can spread rapidly online.
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