Zainab Abbas clarifies her hasty Indian exit. Following a complaint being filed against her by an Indian lawyer for her “anti-Hindu” sentiments, Pakistani sports broadcaster Zainab Abbas on Thursday broke her silence and announced her departure from India.
The international cricket body stated that Abbas’ decision to depart the country on October 9 was motivated by “personal reasons” while she was in India to serve as a presenter for the ongoing ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.
“I have always felt extremely fortunate and grateful for the opportunities to travel and present the sport I love – this one would have been extra special,” Zainab said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Zainab Abbas clarifies her hasty Indian exit, check her Tweet:
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) October 12, 2023
Abbas recalled her time in India, saying that she had experienced the same kind of friendly, upbeat encounters with everyone every day as she expected.
“I was neither asked to leave nor was I deported,” the sports presenter clarified.
Although she had not been asked to leave, Abbas said she felt “intimidated and scared” by the reaction that was unfolding online.
“And even though there was no immediate threat to my safety, my family, and friends from both sides of the border were concerned. I needed some space and time to reflect on what had transpired.”
“I understand and deeply regret the hurt caused by the posts that were circulated. I wish to make clear that they do not represent my values or who I am as a person today,” the journalist said.
“There is no excuse or space for such language, and I sincerely apologise to anyone who was offended.”
“Also, I am truly grateful to those who were concerned and reached out during this challenging time,” she said.
Abbas was scheduled to cover matches in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Ahmedabad in addition to Pakistan’s opening match against the Netherlands on October 6 in Hyderabad, India.
However, she experienced a significant response on social media and had to cut her trip short after a lawyer in the Indian city of New Delhi filed a police complaint against her last week over her earlier comments.
According to the BBC, Abbas, a sports reporter and pundit since 2015, was the first female sports reporter to cover the cricket World Cup from Pakistan in 2019.
Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch lashed out at New Delhi on Thursday for the “unnecessary” turmoil Abbas was forced to endure, claiming that the filing of the lawsuit was not the “right step” in the wake of the debacle.
“The case against Zainab Abbas on unnecessary tweets is not the right action. Zainab is being dragged into an unjustified case,” said the spokesperson in response to a question during her weekly press briefing.
According to Baloch, it is the “Indian state’s responsibility” to provide security because it is hosting the World Cup. She continued by saying that India must also provide a welcoming environment for the Pakistani cricket squad.
