Zainab Abbas: Pakistani presenter opens up on leaving India in the middle of ICC World Cup 2023

Pakistani TV presenter Zainab Abbas who had to unexpectedly leave India during World Cup 2023 due to controversy over her older tweets has spoken up about her decision to leave India.

Abbas who only got to host Pakistan's game against the Netherlands informed through her Twitter that leaving India was her personal decision and that she was not asked to leave or deported. However, she said that she felt intimidated and scared by the reaction that was unfolding online.

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— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) October 12, 2023

She wrote, '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 circulated posts. I wish to make clear that they do not represent my values or who I am today'

She also apologised and said, 'There is no excuse or space for such language, and I sincerely apologise to anyone who was offended'

Posts from her unverified X account, formerly Twitter, had gone viral after she announced that she would be covering the ICC mega event in India.