Why Did Pakistani Sports Presenter Zainab Abbas Leave India?

New Delhi: Pakistan sports presenter Zainab Abbas left India in a hurry three days back but not before issuing a clarification on social media addressing her abrupt departure. She ‘felt intimidated and scared’ by what was ‘unfolding on social media’ and even though there was ‘no immediate threat to her or her family’, she needed some space and time to reflect.

Abbas was a part of the commentary panel of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, which began in Ahmedabad last week. Contrary to several media reports that stated Abbas was asked to leave and even deported from India after some of her past social media posts. which were questionable in nature, resurfaced followed by heavy social media backlash.

“I was neither asked to leave nor was I deported,” Abbas said in a statement posted on the micro-blogging website ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter). “However, I 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.”

She went on to apologise for her past posts on social media if they offended anyone. “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. There is no excuse or space for such language, and I sincerely apologise to anyone who was offended,” the statement read.

Earlier, on October 5, a Delhi-based lawyer filed a complaint against Abbas with the Delhi Police cyber cell, asking for an FIR ‘under section 153A, 295, 506, 121 IPC and section 67 of the IT Act’ for anti-Hindu statements. Vineet Jindal, the lawyer, also put out a post on X and urged the ICC and BCCI secretary Jay Shah, urging them to remove her from the ODI World Cup.