The Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) has officially denounced any links with the organisation CUBAA-UAE, which recently hosted Pakistani cricketers Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul at an event held at the Pakistan Association in Oud Mehta, Dubai. In a press release, the university clarified that it has no affiliation with CUBAA-UAE, a left- Islamist organisation.
CUSAT reiterated that the official alumni association of the university is the CUSAT Alumni Association (CAN), and emphasised that the event in Dubai was organised without the knowledge or consent of CAN. The university’s statement stressed that alumni must verify the legitimacy of any group claiming to represent CUSAT, and affirmed that the official alumni association would never undertake any action that could damage the country’s reputation. The university termed reports linking it to the event as baseless.
With the university’s position now clarified, growing suspicion surrounds the motives behind the Dubai event. There are increasing concerns that the programme may have been orchestrated by Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), as part of a broader strategy to undermine India’s diplomatic initiatives. It is alleged that the event, conducted under the banner of CUBAA-UAE, was intended to utilise Islamist elements to discredit and undermine the efforts of Indian all-party delegations visiting countries under Operation Sindoor.
Several Pakistani media outlets have picked up the story, amplifying its reach. The statement released by the organisers in the aftermath of the controversy has also drawn criticism for its apparent pro-Pakistan stance. Reports indicate that Pakistani officials were present at the building, further fuelling speculation. Afridi, known to be closely associated with the Pakistani military and the ISI, was a prominent presence, adding weight to suspicions that the event was backed by Pakistani intelligence. These developments have prompted calls for a thorough investigation.
In response to the incident, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has submitted a formal complaint to the Prime Minister, urging a detailed inquiry into the matter. The ABVP’s key demand includes the cancellation of passports of the event’s organisers. In light of the university’s clarification, there are renewed calls for a comprehensive investigation and appropriate action.
