A video of Afridi being warmly welcomed by a cheering crowd, chanting “Boom Boom”, at an event organised by the Cochin University BTech Alumni Association (CUBAA), caught fire on social media. The cricketer praised Kerala’s hospitality and food, leaving the audience visibly delighted — a moment that stood out in a region often marked by political divisions.
However, following a backlash from Indian users online — triggered mostly by Afridi’s past bold remarks criticising India on Kashmir — CUBAA hurriedly issued a statement claiming the interaction was “unplanned and unsolicited.”
The incident has exposed an uncomfortable truth for Indian critics: Shahid Afridi’s charisma transcends borders, and his presence was celebrated even by those from India’s own southern state, challenging the usual political narratives.
Despite CUBAA’s explanation that they had booked the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) venue long before any tensions reignited, the public reaction from Indian circles remained harsh, with many calling for accountability from the event organisers.
The group tried to clarify that Afridi was not invited, and that he appeared briefly during the conclusion of their program — coinciding with another cricket-related event in the same venue.
They stated: “We regret any confusion or inconvenience caused… we sincerely apologise to those affected.” But for many observers, the apology seemed pressured, not principled.
This episode reveals a deeper narrative: Pakistan’s cultural icons continue to command admiration, even among ordinary Indians — something that doesn’t sit well with certain sections in India.
While Indian media and social media warriors may try to spin the story as an “accident,” the raw footage of unfiltered applause for a Pakistani cricketer tells another story — one of sports breaking boundaries, and of political tension failing to dim the respect for cricketing greatness.
It also underscores how India’s hyper-nationalist sentiment increasingly pressures communities abroad to toe a rigid line, often at the cost of genuine cultural interaction.
