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‘Patriotism Gone, What A Shame’ Shahid Afridi Welcomed At Dubai Event By Keralites Despite His Anti-India Stance, Indians Condemn

Shahid Afridi received a warm reception at a Dubai event that triggered online outrage after his anti-India comments post-Pahalgam attack. The controversy adds to growing India-Pakistan tensions.

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Surya Singh
New Update
Shahid Afridi, Kerala, Dubai

Ex-Pakistan cricket star Shahid Afridi recently received a grand welcome at a Dubai event hosted by a Kerala community. But instead of applause, the gesture triggered fierce backlash online. Many netizens slammed the community for celebrating Afridi after his harsh anti-India remarks following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

Keralites Welcome Shahid Afridi Despite His Anti-India Comments

The Pahalgam attack rattled India, with Pakistan-based militant groups blamed for the incident. In this tense atmosphere, Afridi criticised the Indian Army openly. 

On a talk show, he said, “Tum logon ki 8 lakh ki fauj wahan baithi hai yaar Kashmir mein aur yeh incident ho gaya hai. Iska matlab yeh hai nalayak nikamme ho tum log ki security aap de nahin sakte.” (You have an army of 8 lakh, which is placed in Kashmir, and the incident took place. What it means is the Army hasn't been responsible enough to give their people enough security.) These comments angered many Indians.

Despite this, the Kerala community in Dubai welcomed Afridi warmly. The 48-year-old former captain thanked the audience and praised Kerala’s food during the event. Meanwhile, in India, authorities banned Afridi’s YouTube and X accounts, along with several other Pakistani cricketers and news channels, after the Pahalgam attack.

Online Fury Over Kerala Community’s Warm Welcome

A video of Afridi’s welcome in Dubai went viral, triggering huge criticism. One user wrote, “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.” 

Another said, “These Keralites are traitors to their motherland, they would sell their fathers & mothers to get validation from woke media, shameful & pathetic.”

A third user commented, “How much disloyal can you be to your nation... learn from the most literate people🙄... Disgraceful!”

One more criticised, “Patriotism gone for a six..what a shame. Expected better from them.”

Check out some more reactions below!

During the recent U16 Davis Cup, a Pakistani tennis player also drew criticism for a disrespectful handshake after losing to his Indian opponent. The Indian player offered a handshake, but the Pakistani player returned it dismissively, shrugging off the gesture. The clip quickly gained attention on social media.

India-Pakistan relations remain tense. The two countries have not played a bilateral cricket series since 2012, and there are no signs of this changing soon. Their encounters are limited to ICC tournaments and Asia Cup matches, with talks ongoing but no clear agreement.

Shahid Afridi