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Pakistan sports journalist Zainab Abbas has found herself at the centre of a controversy during the ongoing ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Zainab, who was in India to cover the multi-nation tournament, has reportedly left the country ahead of the Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka match in Hyderabad. The controversy erupted after some of her old tweets, which were perceived as derogatory toward India and Hindus, went viral across the internet.
Deportation or Voluntary Departure?
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the circumstances of Abbas’ departure from India. While some sources suggest that she was deported from the country, others indicate that she chose to leave due to security concerns. The situation came to public attention when a lawyer filed a complaint against Abbas, accusing her of making derogatory remarks on social media against Hindus and India.
Viral fake quotes allegedly from Michael Atherton and Simon Doull
In the midst of this controversy, some social media users on the X platform (formerly Twitter) shared alleged quotes from prominent cricket personalities, attempting to link them to the controversy. One such fake quote attributed to former England cricketer and current broadcaster Michael Atherton claimed that he criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for its role in the situation.
Also READ: CWC 2023 – ICC finally reveals why Pakistan sports presenter Zainab Abbas left the tournament midway
The fake quote read, “Michael Atherton on mic: ‘Forcing Zainab Abbas to leave the country is another shameful stunt from BCCI, they keep mixing politics with cricket, ICC should stop being a dummy and never let them host any tournament again.’ Atherton didn’t hold back.”
Michael Atherton on 🎙️:
"Forcing Zainab Abbas to leave the country is another shameful stunt from BCCI, they keep mixing politics with cricket, ICC should stop being a dummy and never let them host any tournament again"
Atherton didn't hold back 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/39tU8EtoEG
— Hamxa 🏏🇵🇰 (@hamxashahbax21) October 9, 2023
Another fake statement attributed to New Zealand’s Simon Doull implied that the cricketer-turned-commentator had severely criticized BCCI, ICC, and the Indian government over Zainab’s controversy.
The fabricated quote read, “Zainab Abbas is an amazing person but unfortunately, BCCI and the Indian Govt’s politics have made her life hell in India. This is the World Cup, not the India Cup. If one of our colleagues is not safe here, how can we feel safe? This is pathetic.”
Zainab Abbas is an amazing person but unfortunately, BCCI and Indian Govt's politics have made her life hell in India. This is the World Cup, not the India Cup. If our one of colleagues is not safe here, how can we feel safe? This is pathetic. #CWC23
Simon Doull via SkySport NZ pic.twitter.com/xmpHCgXpMX
— Muhammad Yassal (@OyeYassal) October 9, 2023
Clarifying the situation
It is essential to clarify that both of the above quotes are fake and have been debunked. These fabricated quotes were disseminated by users attempting to escalate and fuel the ongoing controversy surrounding Abbas’ departure from India. As such, it is important to rely on verified information from credible sources when assessing the facts related to this incident.
