The alumni association of Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), known as CUBAA, has come under intense criticism for hosting former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi at an event held in the UAE. The incident has triggered a political and diplomatic controversy, with allegations of “anti-national” activities being levelled against the organisers.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) Kerala State Secretary, E.U. Eshwara Prasad, has filed formal complaints with the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister of India. In his submission, Prasad has demanded the cancellation of the passports of CUBAA office bearers and urged the university to initiate strict action against the misuse of the CUSAT name.
Speaking to Organiser, Eshwara Prasad said, “This terrorist alumni group has brought shame to the entire CUSAT community, Kerala and to India. Only those with terrorist sympathies could welcome and offer a platform to a terrorist like Afridi. They have proven their loyalty to Pakistan, not India.”
The controversy stems from an event held last Sunday, where Shahid Afridi made an appearance on stage. The event, organised by Malayalis in the UAE, took place amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Videos of Afridi’s appearance were widely shared on social media platform X, sparking significant outrage. Some Pakistani media outlets also picked up the story, presenting it as a warm reception by the Indian community.
The organisers claimed that Afridi’s presence at the event was unplanned and that he had arrived after attending other programmes. However, their explanation has drawn further criticism for lacking an apology or any condemnation of Pakistan or the Pahalgam attack. Moreover, their claims are mismatching.
Adding to the controversy, reports have emerged that all office bearers of CUBAA allegedly have leftist-Islamist affiliations. This has led to growing calls for stringent action, including the cancellation of their passports, on the grounds of harbouring anti-national sentiments.
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