Pakistani broadcaster Zainab Abbas has explained why she was forced to leave India midway through the cricket World Cup. Abbas, who was believed to have been deported by the Indian government for her old tweets mocking Hindu Gods, rejected the social media rumours.
She said in an online post, “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.”
Abbas said that she felt intimidated and unsafe in India after her old tweets mocking Hindu God began to dominate social media conversations.
“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,” Abbas wrote.
The broadcaster also offered her apologies for her controversial tweets. She wrote, “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 ICC had said that there was no truth in claims that the Indian government had deported Abbas back to India. The world cricket governing body had said that the reason to leave India was person.