13 October 2023 , 10:09
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A Pakistani presenter who was covering the ongoing Cricket World Cup in India says she fled the country after feeling "intimidated and scared" following backlash over historic social media posts.
Zainab Abbas was working for the International Cricket Council's (ICC) digital team at the tournament, having previously covered the 2019 World Cup and worked for Sky Sports on The Hundred. Abbas arrived in India last week and worked on Pakistan's World Cup opener against the Netherlands last Friday, with Babar Azam's side winning the match by 81 runs.
She was then set to cover Pakistan's remaining group games, but left India ahead of Pakistan's six-wicket win over Sri Lanka on Wednesday. Her decision to leave the country came after old social media posts resurfaced, with a lawyer in Delhi lodging a police complaint over "derogatory and provocative posts" she made on Twitter mocking India and Hinduism.
There had been speculation that she was forced to leave the country, but the ICC said Abbas had left due to personal reasons and the presenter has now released a statement clarifying the situation. "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," she said.
"My daily interactions with everyone during my stay were kind, cheerful, and with a sense of familiarity - just as I had expected. I was neither asked to leave nor was I deported. However, I felt intimidated and scared by the reaction that was unfolding online.
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"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. With love, Zainab." Relations between Pakistan and India are tense, with the two countries only facing each other at ICC tournaments due to the political tension.
Earlier this year, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup but India refused to travel there and Sri Lanka were later installed as joint hosts. In response, Pakistan threatened to boycott the World Cup due to it being staged in India but acquiesced after agreeing to jointly host the Asia Cup with Sri Lanka.
Pakistan are due to face India in Ahmedabad on Saturday, which will be the first time the two sides have faced each other at a non-neutral venue since the 2016 T20 World Cup when India won by six wickets at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.