Pakistan sports presenter Zainab Abbas breaks silence on deportation rumors

Pakistani sports presenter Zainab Abbas has clarified that she wasn’t deported from India during the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. Notably, in the last few days, some controversial tweets, alleging she being hurting the Hindu religious sentiments, had gone viral. However, in a statement released by the 35-year-old, she said that those tweets weren’t made by her and apologises for the hurt caused.

“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. My daily interactions with everyone during my stay were kind, cheerful, and with a sense of familiarity – just as I expected. I was neither asked to leave nor was I deported. 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.

“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.

“Also, I am truly grateful to those who were concerned and reached out during this challenging time,” Zainab Abbas wrote on Twitter.

Zainab Abbas went back home for personal reasons: Apex Council

“Zainab has not been deported, she has left for personal reasons,” an Apex Council spokesperson told PTI. The presenter, who arrived in Hyderabad last week, was supposed to travel to cities where Pakistan are scheduled to play, including Bengaluru, Chennai and Ahmedabad.