Sat May 31 10:51:17 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Kerala Expatriate Group Apologizes After Backlash Over Welcoming Pakistani Cricketer Shahid Afridi**

**Dubai, UAE – May 31, 2025** – The Cochin University Btech Alumni Association (CUBAA), UAE, has issued an apology after facing intense online criticism for warmly welcoming Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi at a recent event in Dubai.

A video showing Afridi being greeted with cheers and chants of “boom boom” went viral, sparking outrage among some netizens and right-wing supporters who cited Afridi’s past controversial remarks against India and its army.

CUBAA clarified that the appearance was unexpected. They had booked the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) as a venue for their inter-collegiate dance competition long before tensions arose between India and Pakistan. The same venue had been used the prior year. On the day of the event, cricketers, including Afridi, were at the venue for another event and made an unannounced appearance at the CUBAA event as it was concluding.

The organization stated that no one from the CUBAA organizing team invited or coordinated the appearance. They were unable to manage the crowd response.

“We deeply regret any hurt or offense our actions may have caused. It was never our intention, and we sincerely apologize to those affected,” the CUBAA said in a statement, reiterating their commitment to maintaining a cultural and inclusive spirit.

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