(Image Source: Twitter)
[Saba Sports News] Pakistani sports presenter Zainab Abbas has departed India amid a controversy surrounding her previous tweets critical of India and Hindus.She had been in India to cover the ICC World Cup 2023.
According to reports from Pakistan-based Samaa TV, Zainab Abbas is currently in Dubai. However, contrary to earlier reports suggesting her deportation by India, an ICC spokesperson clarified that her departure was due to “personal reasons” and not deportation. ICC spokesperson C Rajshekhar Rao informed Arab News that she “left for personal reasons.”
This development follows the recent filing of an official complaint by lawyer Vineet Jindal, who called on authorities to take action. Jindal’s complaint urged the Delhi Police to file an FIR under sections 153A, 295, 506, 121 IPC, and Sec 67 of the IT Act, citing “derogatory remarks regarding Hindu faith and beliefs and anti-Bharat statements.” He also called for Zainab’s immediate removal from the list of presenters for the ICC World Cup, both by the ICC and BCCI.
In a tweet, Jindal expressed satisfaction, stating that the “Pakistani presenter Zainab Abbas is reportedly deported,” and he thanked various authorities, including the Home Ministry and the BCCI, “for taking prompt action.” He had previously called for her arrest, emphasizing that the hospitality mantra “athiti devo bhava” should be reserved for those “who respect our country and Hindu Dharma, as Anti Bharatiya are not welcome on our land.”
Zainab Abbas had announced her arrival in India on October 2 through a tweet in which she expressed her excitement about representing, creating content, and bringing expertise from the best in the business during her stay in India for the Cricket World Cup 2023. She highlighted the cultural similarities between India and Pakistan and her desire to contribute positively to the event.