A Pakistani journalist reporting on the Cricket World Cup has spoken for the primary time since fleeing India following backlash over now-deleted social media posts. Zainab Abbas admitted she felt “intimidated and scared” however was not pressured or requested to go away the nation.
Abbas was in India to cowl Pakistan‘s first recreation of the World Cup in opposition to the Netherlands final Friday. However, she left on Monday following the web response to outdated posts on X, previously referred to as Twitter.
The posts in query allegedly mocked India and the Hindu faith. The presenter, who has labored for Sky Sports on their protection of The Hundred up to now, acquired an enormous backlash from India supporters.
Speculation after she left India steered she had been pressured to go. But the ICC as a substitute mentioned she had as a substitute left for private causes.
Abbas has now damaged her silence on X, insisting she was not requested to go away. The 35-year-old admitted the response on-line precipitated her to take the troublesome choice of exiting the World Cup.
Abbas wrote: “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 used to be neither requested to go away nor was I deported. However, I felt intimidated and scared by the response that was unfolding on-line.
“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.”
Abbas has revealed her remorse on the outdated posts and says she doesn’t maintain the identical “values” right this moment. She added: “I understand and deeply regret the hurt caused by the posts that were circulated.
“I want to clarify that they don’t characterize my values or who I’m as an individual right this moment. There isn’t any excuse or area for such language, and I sincerely apologise to anybody who was offended.
“Also I am truly grateful to those who were concerned and reached out during this challenging time. With love, Zainab.”
Attention will flip to on-field issues on Saturday when India play Pakistan within the eagerly-awaited match in Ahmedabad. Both groups have 100 per cent data after their first two video games of the event.
