Zainab Abbas is the first Pakistani female presenter to host the upcoming Cricket World Cup. Known for her upbeat energy and charisma, Abbas is one of the few female sports journos in Pakistan.
Zainab Abbas broke the news on her Twitter and Instagram account.
Honoured and humbled to be hosting the Cricket World Cup for the @ICC! Super excited to be your presenter for a special digital show during the WC,bringing to you the biggest celebration in sport! See me on @cricketworldcup @ICC #CWC2019 pic.twitter.com/KntQ0FtApw
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) May 18, 2019
The sports journo revealed that she’ll be the presenter for a special digital show during the World Cup.
“Honored and humbled to be hosting the Cricket World Cup for the International Cricket Council”
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Women in Sports Journalism
Just like women who pursue sports are frowned upon, women in sports journalism aren’t encouraged either. In Pakistan, most of the women do not opt for sports journalism because of social deterrents. This is largely due to the stereotype ‘women can’t talk sports‘.
Zainab Abbas is one of the few who defied stereotypes and has emerged as one of the best female sports journalists in Pakistan. She is the daughter of philanthropist and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf politician, Andleeb Abbas.
Abbas says that her family has always supported her work.
Recently, Zainab was awarded the accolade of ‘the best female sports journalist’ in Pakistan Sports Award held in Governor House, Karachi.
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Other Women
It isn’t just Pakistan which has a shortage of opportunities for female sports journalists. You’d think that western nations might have more women to cover sports. Sadly, going by the spartan lineup of women in any sports event, that’s clearly not the case.
Zainab Abbas will be joined by two other female presenters, Australian commentator and former cricketer Melanie Jones and Indo-British presenter Isha Guha.
Previously Indian presenter Mandira Bedi hosted the ICC World Cup of  2003 and 2007.
