Pakistani presenter Zainab Abbas, a part of the ICC digital team covering the ODI World Cup, made headlines on Monday as she departed from India amidst a flurry of social media backlash over her alleged anti-India posts in the past. While speculation was rife about the reasons for her sudden departure, the International Cricket Council (ICC) clarified that it was due to personal reasons and not deportation.

Zainab Abbas had been assigned to cover Pakistan’s three World Cup matches in India, with her last location being Hyderabad, where she reported on Pakistan’s World Cup opener against the Netherlands on October 6.

The controversy surrounding her departure stemmed from unverified posts on her social media account, which had gone viral after she announced her participation in the ICC mega event in India. The posts fueled a social media storm and raised questions about her continued presence in India.

Addressing the situation, an ICC spokesperson stated, “Zainab has not been deported; she has left for personal reasons.”

Initially, Zainab was expected to travel to various cities in India where Pakistan’s matches were scheduled, including Bengaluru, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. Her sudden exit has left fans and followers curious about the circumstances behind her departure.

Meanwhile, the ICC World Cup has been witnessing thrilling cricket action, with former Pakistan players Rameez Raja and Waqar Younis actively contributing to the commentary panel for the ODI extravaganza. The tournament commenced on October 5 and will conclude on November 19.

It’s worth noting that the Pakistan cricket team received a warm and enthusiastic welcome at the Hyderabad airport on September 27 upon their arrival in India after a seven-year hiatus. The team, led by skipper Babar Azam, has acknowledged the overwhelming support they have received from Indian fans since their arrival.

As the ICC World Cup unfolds, cricket enthusiasts around the world continue to follow the matches and await more exciting moments on the field.