Zainab Abbas cites ‘online intimidation’ reason for sudden departure from India

Zainab Abbas, a Pakistani sports presenter, on Thursday finally broke the silence over her sudden departure from India.

Zainab Abbas posted her statement on wrote on her official X account, saying “Throughout my stay, my interactions with everyone were warm, cheerful, and filled with a sense of familiarity, just as I had anticipated. I was neither asked to leave nor deported. However, I felt intimidated and apprehensive due to the online reaction. While there was no immediate threat to my safety, concerns from my family and friends on both sides of the border were mounting. I needed some time and space to reflect on the unfolding events.”

She also expressed her gratitude for the opportunities she has had to travel and cover the sport she loves, noting that reporting on the ICC World Cup in India held a special place in her heart.

“I acknowledge and deeply regret the offense caused by the circulated posts. I want to make it clear that they do not align with my values or who I am as a person today. There is no excuse or tolerance for such language, and I offer my sincere apologies to anyone who was offended,” Zainab added.

She concluded by expressing her heartfelt appreciation for those who offered support during this challenging period.

 

ICC presenter Zainab Abbas left India on Monday, after ‘propaganda’ targeted her on social media.

An Indian lawyer also filed a complaint against her over alleged “anti-Hindu” statements.

Earlier in the day, Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch in a statement slammed New Delhi for the unnecessary controversy into which Pakistani presenter Zainab Abbas was dragged during the ongoing World Cup.

FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that the registration of the case against her was not the right step.

“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.

FO spokesperson said that as host of the World Cup, it is the Indian state’s responsibility to provide security.

She added that it is also India’s responsibility to provide a favorable environment for the Pakistani cricket team.