Zainab Abbas Issues Apology for Past Social Media Posts; Addresses India Departure, Citing 'Need for Space'

Pakistan sports presenter Zainab Abbas who left India in a hurry three days back issued a clarification on social media addressing her abrupt departure from the country, stating that 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. And 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.

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“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 also 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.

Pakistani Sports Presenter Zainab Abbas Leaves India After Cases Over Her Old Social Media Posts

Earlier, Abbas’ questionable tweets had gone viral, when, 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.

READ ZAINAB ABBAS’ FULL STATEMENT HERE

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 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. 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