Pakistani presenter Zainab Abbas, a prominent member of the ICC digital team covering the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, has left India, leaving cricket enthusiasts and fans curious about the reasons behind her abrupt departure.
Zainab Abbas, 35, had been stationed in Hyderabad, India, to cover Pakistan’s matches during the World Cup. Her journey took an unexpected twist following a flurry of social media backlash over alleged anti-India posts from her unverified X account, previously known as Twitter. The controversy escalated as she announced her involvement in the ICC mega event on Indian soil.
The departure came after Zainab had witnessed Pakistan’s World Cup opener against the Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on October 6. While speculations about her sudden exit circulated widely on social media, the International Cricket Council (ICC) swiftly responded, clarifying that Zainab was not deported from the host country.
An ICC spokesperson firmly stated, “Zainab has not been deported; she has left for personal reasons.” This statement put to rest any lingering doubts about the circumstances surrounding her departure.
Zainab Abbas had arrived in Hyderabad just a week prior and was scheduled to travel to several cities across India, including Bengaluru, Chennai, and Ahmedabad, to cover Pakistan’s matches in the tournament.
It’s worth noting that former Pakistan cricket legends, Rameez Raja and Waqar Younis, are also in India as part of the commentary panel for the ODI Cricket World Cup, which commenced on October 5 and will conclude on November 19. Their presence has added to the anticipation and excitement surrounding this prestigious cricket event.
The Pakistan cricket team received a warm and enthusiastic welcome at the Hyderabad airport on September 27, marking their first visit to India in seven years. The players, including skipper Babar Azam, expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received from fans in India since their arrival.
As the tournament unfolds and cricket enthusiasts follow every match with bated breath, Zainab Abbas’s unexpected departure remains a topic of discussion. While the ICC has clarified that it was due to personal reasons, the social media controversy that preceded it has left many pondering the true story behind her exit.
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