Watch: What happened when Shahid Afridi met Indian Kerala community in Dubai?
Pakistani legends joined unveiling of UAE’s unity handprint flag record
DUBAI: In a rare and heartwarming exchange, the Indian Kerala community in Dubai recently paused their own cultural programme to honour Shahid Afridi – the legendary Pakistani cricketer – with chants of “Boom Boom” and a warm invitation to the stage.
It took place at the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD), during a public event where Afridi and fellow former cricket star Umar Gul were present for the unveiling of a record-breaking unity artwork.
As Afridi entered the venue, the energy shifted. Dozens of attendees from Kerala, already gathered for a separate event, spontaneously cheered and welcomed him. The moment captured the essence of cross-border friendship and the melting pot of cultures that define the UAE.
Afridi, visibly touched, responded with good humour and heartfelt words. “On the field, we played tough matches, but off the field, our relations have always been friendly,” he told the cheering crowd. “I travel a lot, and this is why I came here to tell you I like the people of Kerala very much. I often watch videos of Kerala's food on YouTube.”
@travelsdubai Pakistani cricket legends greeted by Indian Kerala community in Dubai #shahidafridi #cricket #pakistan #india #kerala #dubai #uae #fyp #foryou #travelsdubai ♬ original sound - Travels Dubai | ترافيلس دبي
As the chants of “Boom Boom” continued, Afridi smiled and replied, “No more Boom Boom – I’m the old Boom Boom now,” drawing laughter from the mixed crowd of Indian and Pakistani attendees.
The spontaneous show of respect turned into a vibrant meet-and-greet, with fans queuing for selfies, handshakes, and shared smiles. Umar Gul joined in, greeting the crowd and exchanging pleasantries, as the atmosphere shifted from ceremony to celebration.
A record of unity
While the Kerala community’s tribute stole the spotlight, the larger event was no less significant. Afridi and Gul had originally arrived at PAD to attend the unveiling of a Guinness World Record – the Largest UAE Flag with Handprints.
The project, titled Hands of Unity, was organised by PAD and Emirates Loves Pakistan, and brought to life by artist Rubab Zahra. The massive flag featured 24,514 individual handprints from residents representing over 100 nationalities, marking a symbolic celebration of the UAE’s Year of Community. It was officially unveiled on 22nd May.
“This is a country that unites 100+ nationalities – and you can see that reflected in these 24,000+ handprints,” said Afridi during the ceremony. “Special thanks to Mariam who worked so hard, and to the entire PAD team whose efforts made this world record possible. It's a team game, and they worked like a true team.”
Umar Gul echoed his sentiments: “It’s amazing to be here at Pakistan Association Dubai. I’ve heard over 100 nationalities contributed to these handprints. It’s so inspiring to see this bond of love between such a diverse community.”
Dr Faisel Ikram, President of PAD, said, “We were honoured to host Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul at PAD for this very special moment. Their presence reminded us of the strength of unity – not just in sport, but across communities.”
The Hands of Unity campaign mobilised participation from 39 activation sites, including 23 schools and universities, with thousands of residents stepping forward to leave their mark – literally – on a historic flag.
Afridi’s love for food
Afridi’s recent interaction with the Indian Kerala community took on added significance in light of his growing appreciation for South Indian cuisine. Just weeks earlier, the cricketer spoke fondly about South Indian food during the relaunch of his restaurant, Lala Darbar, in Dubai's International City.
“Because we have Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lankan communities living here – and I’ve played cricket here and received a lot of love – we wanted to create something for everyone,” said Afridi at the reopening. “We have a taste of Pakistan, so we want to make people try that taste here.”
The newly revamped Lala Darbar features bold Pakistani décor and a cosy, family-friendly atmosphere, offering dishes from slow-cooked biryanis to matka chai in clay cups.
Afridi also took the moment to call for greater peace and understanding between Pakistan and India. “Politics should stay away from sports,” he said. “People from both countries have a lot in common, and food is one of the many bridges we can build together.”
Shahid Afridi’s cricket career
Shahid Afridi, 48, is a retired Pakistani all-rounder whose explosive batting and leg-spin defined a 21-year international career (1996–2017). He played 27 Tests, 398 ODIs and 100 T20Is, scoring 1,176 Test runs (5 centuries), 8,064 ODI runs (6 centuries) and about 1,405 T20I runs. He also took 48 Test wickets, 395 ODI wickets (9 five-wicket hauls) and 97 T20I wickets.
Afridi burst onto the scene with an ODI century off only 37 balls (vs Sri Lanka, 1996) – the fastest in history at the time. He amassed a then-record 476 international sixes. He also hit a 102 off 45 balls against India (Kanpur, 2005), the then-equal second-fastest ODI ton. In Tests his top score was 156, and in ODIs 124*; he claimed nine ODI five-fers and holds Pakistan’s first T20I four-wicket haul.
Congratulations on a remarkable career @imVkohli. Your passion, intensity and professionalism set new standards in Test cricket. The purist format will miss your presence and competitive spirit. pic.twitter.com/u8F6uwozfp
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) May 12, 2025
Afridi was Player of the Tournament at the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup and starred in the 2009 T20 World Cup final, earning Man-of-the-Match with 54* and 1/20 as Pakistan won the title. He helped Pakistan reach the 1999 World Cup final (runners-up) and later was part of the 2012 Asia Cup-winning team.
He saved Pakistan from defeat in the first Test of the 1999 India tour, scoring 141 and taking 3/54. In the 2005 Kanpur ODI vs India he struck 102 off 45 balls to chase a target; in the same tour’s 3rd Test he hit a rapid 2nd-innings fifty and took 5 wickets (dismissing Sachin twice) to seal a series draw. As captain he led Pakistan to the 2011 World Cup semi-final (loss to India).
Afridi captained Pakistan’s T20 side (2009–2016) and ODI side (2010–2011). After retiring in 2017 (with a brief 2018 World XI comeback), he served as Pakistan’s interim chief selector and became a prominent cricket commentator and philanthropist.