Pakistani Journalist Zainab Abbas Leaves India After Accusations of ‘Anti-India, Hindu’ Tweets

Hyderabad: Pakistani sports journalist Zainab Abbas, who had arrived in India to cover the ICC World Cup 2023, has reportedly left the country, sparking controversy and conflicting reports about her departure. While some sources suggest she was deported, others claim she departed due to security concerns. The incident came to light after a lawyer filed a complaint against Zainab Abbas, accusing her of posting derogatory remarks on social media targeting India and Hindus.

Vineet Jindal, the lawyer who registered the complaint, alleged that Zainab Abbas had posted offensive tweets from the Twitter handle “Zainablovesrk,” which has since been changed to “ZAbbasOfficial,” her current handle as a Pakistani sports journalist. In his complaint, Jindal urged the BCCI and Home Ministry to remove Zainab Abbas from her role as a presenter at the ICC World Cup 2023 due to her provocative posts against India and Hindu Dharma. He emphasized the importance of hospitality in India, stating that it is extended to those who respect the country and Hindu Dharma.

Initially, Samaa TV reported Zainab Abbas’s deportation from India but later deleted the tweet. The news outlet then clarified that the Pakistani sports presenter had left India due to safety concerns. The allegations involved cybercrime and resurfaced old tweets with anti-India content. Currently, Zainab Abbas is in Dubai.

Before her departure to India, Zainab Abbas had expressed excitement about her trip, emphasizing the cultural similarities between the two nations, despite their rivalry on the cricket field. She had expressed her dedication to represent and create content at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, highlighting the six-week journey away from home.