Latest news with #Keralites
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
‘Cricket has power to bring people, countries closer': Shahid Afridi on Pak-India relations
Shahid Afridi stressed the importance of dialogue between India and Pakistan during an interview with Khaleej Times on Monday, citing how 'cricket has the power to bring people and countries closer.' Afridi spoke about the importance of dialogue and interpersonal connections in resolving issues between India and Pakistan. 'If our politicians won't talk and we don't play each other, how will we ever solve anything?' he was further quoted as saying. Afridi was addressing a recent controversy where himself and former teammate Umar Gul were seen receiving a warm welcome by Keralites at an inter-collegiate dance event held at the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) building on May 25. Footage from the event showing Afridi being cheered by a largely Indian crowd quickly spread on social media, fuelling criticism in India amid ongoing tensions between the two nations. Calling the reaction 'uncalled for', he sad, 'let's not politicise things, it wasn't even a planned appearance.' He explained how in the past 'the respect I received in India as a cricketer and as a captain of Pakistan has been overwhelming.' 'I've said it before and I'll say it again: the love I got there, I didn't get anywhere else, not even in Pakistan,' he was quoted as saying in Khaleej Times. 'Troubling mindset': FO rejects Indian leadership's remarks He added how he often interacts with members of the Asian community and enjoys those conversations. 'I meet so many Indians wherever I go. We chat, we joke, we share cricket memories. There's mutual respect. It's always a pleasure.'
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
‘Cricket has the power to bring people and countries closer': Afridi on Pak-India relations
Shahid Afridi addressed India-Pakistan relations in an interview with Khaleej Times on Monday, citing how 'cricket has the power to bring people and countries closer', while speaking about the love he has received in India among fans. Afridi was addressing a recent controversy where himself and former teammate Umar Gul were seen receiving a warm welcome by Keralites at an inter-collegiate dance event held at the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) building on May 25. Footage from the event showing Afridi being cheered by a largely Indian crowd quickly spread on social media, fuelling criticism in India amid ongoing tensions between the two nations. Calling the reaction 'uncalled for', he sad, 'let's not politicise things, it wasn't even a planned appearance.' He explained how in the past 'the respect I received in India as a cricketer and as a captain of Pakistan has been overwhelming.' 'I've said it before and I'll say it again: the love I got there, I didn't get anywhere else, not even in Pakistan,' he was quoted as saying in Khaleej Times. 'Troubling mindset': FO rejects Indian leadership's remarks He added how he often interacts with members of the Asian community and enjoys those conversations. 'I meet so many Indians wherever I go. We chat, we joke, we share cricket memories. There's mutual respect. It's always a pleasure.' Afridi stressed the importance of dialogue and interpersonal connections in resolving issues between India and Pakistan. 'If our politicians won't talk and we don't play each other, how will we ever solve anything?' he was further quoted as saying.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Foreign aid nod to Maharashtra: Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal slams Centre for unfair treatment
Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal has accused the Union government of bias in permitting Maharashtra to accept foreign aid for its Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF). Responding to the Centre's decision, Mr. Balagopal said here on Sunday that Kerala had been denied permission to accept aid from outside the country in the aftermath of the devastating 2018 floods. The Union government had denied permission despite the offers for assistance from abroad, he recalled. Mr. Balagopal said that Kerala was not against Maharashtra receiving foreign aid, but it was important that the Union government saw all States on an equal footing. Discrimination He said that it would not be surprising if Keralites felt that even in moments of great crisis, there was discrimination among States. 'Any State receiving aid in a crisis is a good thing. Giving permission to accept the aid is also a good thing. But the Centre's approach gives room for doubt that the decision is driven by political bias,' he said. Mr. Balagopal said it was quite unbecoming of administrators when politics became the yardstick and not the magnitude of disasters. Such approaches also failed to uphold federal principles, he said. The Kerala Finance Minister's remarks come close on the heels of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs granting the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010, registration to Maharashtra's CMDRF, thereby enabling it to receive foreign donations for 'social' programmes. No aid post-landslides Mr. Balagopal also recalled that, following the 2024 landslides in Wayanad, Kerala had expected Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce assistance on two occasions—during his visit to the disaster sites and later when he dedicated the Vizhinjam port to the nation. On both occasions, the State was disappointed, he said.
India.com
3 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Kerala Community Welcomes Pakistans Shahid Afridi In Dubai, Netizens Fume Calling It Anti-India
New Delhi: A Kerala community in Dubai is facing intense backlash on social media for warmly welcoming former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi at a recent event. The community's hospitality has been slammed, particularly given Afridi's past remarks criticizing the Indian Army's handling of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. A video circulating on social media shows Shahid Afridi being warmly welcomed on stage by a Kerala community in Dubai. The crowd erupts in loud cheers as Afridi addresses the gathering, praising "the Kerala part of India and its food". The community members enthusiastically chant "Boom Boom", Afridi's iconic nickname, prompting him to respond with a smile, "Hogaya Boom Boom". The community's gesture has been met with sharp criticism online, with many calling it "shameful" and questioning their judgment. The backlash comes amid India's continued efforts to combat Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and Afridi's controversial remarks have added fuel to the fire. Afridi's Controversial Remarks Amidst allegations of Pakistani terror groups' involvement in the Pahalgam attack, Shahid Afridi sparked further controversy by criticizing the Indian Army, calling them "incompetent". His remarks drew widespread criticism, particularly given the scrutiny on Pakistan's role in the attack. The Indian government responded by blocking Afridi's YouTube and X accounts, citing his inflammatory comments. In a talk show, Afridi questioned the Indian Army's effectiveness, stating, "You have an army of 800,000 stationed in Kashmir, yet such an incident occurred. This indicates a complete failure in ensuring the safety of your citizens – you are ineffective and incompetent." These comments have been widely condemned, and Afridi's warm reception by a Kerala community in Dubai was met with disapproval from many social media users. How Netizens React A video on social media sparked outrage, with users slamming the Kerala community's decision to welcome Shahid Afridi, saying, "What a shame!! – Desperate Keralites welcome this anti-India Pakistani with 'Boom Boom' at an event in Dubai, especially after the Pahalgam terror attack and his venomous stance against India." The community's gesture drew sharp criticism online, with many questioning their judgment given Afridi's controversial remarks and the timing of the event. The video sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with one user remarking, "Looks like some folks have forgotten what it means to be Indian." Another user chimed in, "Can't believe they're fetting someone who's been trash-talking our country. Total fail." The Kerala community's decision to welcome Shahid Afridi was widely panned, with many calling it a betrayal of national pride. The backlash was swift and merciless, with users expressing their disgust and disappointment at the community's actions.
News18
4 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Netizens Object To Kerala Community's Dubai Event Over Shahid Afridi's Presence: 'What A Shame'
Last Updated: Notably, Afridi, who was warmly welcomed by the Indian diaspora, has taken a firm anti-India stance during the country's recent conflict with Pakistan following Pahalgam attack Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi received a warm welcome from the Indian Kerala community during an event held at the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD). The event became a major topic of online debate as netizens reacted to the Kerala community's enthusiastic reception of a former Pakistani cricketer despite heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The members of the Kerala community from India paused their cultural program as Afridi arrived, breaking into chants of 'Boom Boom," the famous nickname linked to the all-rounder's playing style. 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 — Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) May 30, 2025 Notably, Afridi, who was warmly welcomed by the Indian diaspora, has taken a firm anti-India stance during the recent conflict between the two countries. He made a controversial statement criticising the Indian government and army over the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. 'India carries out terrorism itself, is responsible for killing its own people, and then puts the blame on Pakistan," alleged Afridi while talking to local media reporters in Pakistan. Replying to the viral video, an X user said: 'Patriotism gone for a a shame. Expected better from them (Kerala community)." Patriotism gone for a a shame. Expected better from them— Voyager (@Pulkit_voyager) May 30, 2025 Another user wrote: 'How much Disloyal can you be to your nation…learn from the most literate people… Disgraceful!" 'Don't they have anyone from India origin!! Shame to see these happen," a third user said. Don't they have anyone from India origin!! Shame to see these happen!!— Nagarajan (@Nagv007) May 30, 2025 After Afridi's disparaging remarks against India, the Indian government suspended his YouTube channel in the country. With this action, Afridi joined the recent bans of former Pakistani cricketers Shoaib Akhtar and Basit Ali's channels in India. First Published:
