• Source:JND
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Pakistan's popular sports presenter Zainab Abbas, who left India in a hurry after an alleged controversy erupted over her old social media posts, issued a clarification on social media focusing on her sudden departure from the country.

She stated that she ‘felt intimidated and scared’ by the whole situation and even though there was ‘no immediate threat to her or her family’, she needed some space and time to reflect.

Earlier, it was reported that Abbas, who was a part of the commentary panel of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, was asked to leave and even deported from India after some of her past social media posts received a 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.”

 

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Abbas also went on to apologise for her old posts on social media. “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.

Zainab was set to cover Pakistan’s matches at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. She was also present at the venue to cover Pakistan's first match against the Netherlands on October 6.

 

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She launched her career as a cricket presenter and commentator back in 2015. In 2019, she became the first woman sports reporter to cover the Cricket World Cup from Pakistan.