Men have long dominated the world of sports journalism, but in recent years, more women have been stepping up to break barriers, and Zainab Abbas is leading the charge in Pakistan. Zainab has become one of the country’s most prominent sports presenters and commentators, and she is known for her sharp insights, charismatic presence, and unwavering dedication. From her initial foray into media to becoming a trailblazer in cricket broadcasting, Zainab’s journey is inspiring.
In this article, we delve into Zainab Abbas’s early life, career milestones, controversies, personal life, and her impact on women in sports media, showcasing how she continues to pave the way for future generations of women in journalism.
Zainab Abbas: Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zainab Abbas |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Date of Birth | February 14, 1988 |
| Age | 37 years old (as of 2025) |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Profession | Sports Presenter, Journalist, TV Host |
| Spouse | Hamza Kardar |
| Children | Two sons |
| Education | MBA in Marketing and Strategy (University of Warwick) |
| Family Background | Daughter of cricketer Nasir Abbas and politician Andleeb Abbas |
| Career Start | 2015, as a guest analyst during the Cricket World Cup |
| Notable Work | Presenter for PSL, ICC World Cup 2019, and Sky Sports |
| Awards | Sports TV Host of the Year (2019), included in 100 Most Influential People (2020) |
| @zabbasofficial |
Early Life and Education
Born on February 14, 1988, in Lahore, Pakistan, Zainab Abbas was surrounded by a family deeply connected to sports and politics. Her father, Nasir Abbas, was a cricketer who played for teams like Faisalabad and Hafizabad. Her mother, Andleeb Abbas, is a well-known politician and a senior member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party, having served in the National Assembly and as the Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
Zainab’s academic journey took her from Aston University in Birmingham to the University of Warwick, where she earned an MBA in Marketing and Strategy. Initially, her career trajectory seemed far removed from the world of sports journalism. Before entering media, Zainab worked for prestigious brands like Dolce & Gabbana at Harrods in London, where she also ran her makeup studio. However, her true calling was about to unfold in cricket journalism.
Personal Life: Marriage and Family
Zainab Abbas is married to Hamza Kardar, a prominent businessman and the son of former Pakistani cricketer and politician Abdul Hafeez Kardar. The couple shares a beautiful family and are the proud parents of two sons. Despite her high-profile career, Zainab has often spoken about how she manages a balance between her personal and professional life. Her family remains an integral part of her journey, and her husband, Hamza, is an unwavering source of support as she continues to break new ground in sports media.
Transition to Sports Journalism
Zainab’s career pivot to sports journalism began in 2015, marking the start of her exciting new chapter. She auditioned for a role as a guest analyst during the 2015 Cricket World Cup on Dunya News. This opportunity marked her first appearance in front of the camera and set her on a path to becoming one of Pakistan’s leading sports presenters.
In 2016, Zainab’s career took another leap when she traveled to England as a correspondent for Dunya News to cover the Pakistan national cricket team. During this time, she gained recognition for her appearances on BBC’s Test Match Special, showcasing her expertise and presence in front of a global audience. Her ability to provide insightful commentary and engage with audiences made her a standout talent in sports journalism.
A Career in Cricket Broadcasting
Zainab’s work in cricket broadcasting is extensive, with numerous notable assignments. She has been a regular presenter for the Pakistan Super League (PSL), one of the country’s premier cricket tournaments, since 2016. Her ability to connect with the audience and provide compelling coverage made her a fan favorite.
In addition to the PSL, Zainab has contributed to Abu Dhabi T10 and worked with major sports networks like Star Sports, Sony, and TEN Sports. Her role as a presenter for ICC World Cup 2019 further cemented her status as a respected voice in international cricket broadcasting.
Beyond television, Zainab hosted the web-series talk show “Sawal Cricket Ka,” where she interviewed some of Pakistan’s top cricketers. Her insightful discussions and professional approach brought a fresh perspective to sports media in Pakistan.
Breaking Barriers: First Pakistani Female Sports Presenter on Sky Sports
Zainab’s career reached a significant milestone in 2021 when she became the first Pakistani woman to present for Sky Sports during the inaugural season of The Hundred, a new cricket competition in the UK. This was a historic moment for Zainab and women in Pakistan’s sports media industry. Her achievement opened doors for other aspiring female journalists, proving that women can excel in roles traditionally dominated by men.
Through her work on Sky Sports, Zainab gained international recognition and showcased the growing role of women in cricket broadcasting, a space where they were once marginalized.
Controversy and Challenges
Despite her remarkable success, Zainab has not been immune to challenges. In 2023, she faced a major controversy when old anti-Hindu and anti-India tweets resurfaced during her coverage of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India. The situation led to widespread media attention and questions about her role in the tournament. Zainab, however, responded promptly, apologizing for the tweets and clarifying that they did not represent her values or beliefs.
The controversy stirred mixed reactions, but Zainab’s ability to navigate this tricky situation demonstrated her maturity and professionalism. She addressed the issue directly, emphasizing the importance of growth and learning from past mistakes.
Achievements and Recognition
Zainab’s contributions to sports journalism have earned her numerous accolades. In 2019, she was named Sports TV Host of the Year at the Pakistan Sports Awards, a well-deserved recognition for her efforts in elevating cricket coverage in the country. Her influence reached Pakistan when she was included in the New York Press Agency’s “100 Most Influential People in Asia/UK/EU” list in 2020, marking her as one of the leading figures in sports media globally.
Zainab’s achievements were further recognized when she was invited to give a TEDx talk at LahoreWomen in 2020, where she shared her journey and the importance of empowering women in media.
Impact on Women in Sports Media
Zainab Abbas has proven to be a true trailblazer for women in sports media, particularly cricket broadcasting. Her journey from a makeup artist to one of Pakistan’s leading sports presenters inspires many aspiring female journalists. Through her hard work and dedication, Zainab has shattered the glass ceiling in a field where women are often underrepresented.
Her influence extends far beyond the broadcasting booth. By breaking into international sports journalism and becoming the first Pakistani woman to present on Sky Sports, Zainab has proven that women have a significant role in sports journalism’s future. She continues to inspire women to take up careers in broadcasting, encouraging them to pursue their passions despite the challenges they may face.
FAQs
1. How did Zainab Abbas get her start in sports journalism?
Zainab started her career in sports journalism in 2015 when she appeared as a guest analyst during the Cricket World Cup on Dunya News. Her first major break came when she covered Pakistan’s tour of England in 2016.
2. What is Zainab Abbas known for in sports broadcasting?
Zainab is known for her work as a presenter for major cricketing events like the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and ICC World Cup 2019, as well as for being the first Pakistani woman to present on Sky Sports for The Hundred.
3. How did Zainab Abbas contribute to women in sports media?
Zainab’s success has been pivotal in inspiring women to pursue careers in sports journalism. She has proven that women can excel in cricket broadcasting and has become a role model for aspiring female journalists in Pakistan and beyond.
4. What awards has Zainab Abbas won?
In 2019, Zainab won the Sports TV Host of the Year award at the Pakistan Sports Awards and was included in the New York Press Agency’s “100 Most Influential People in Asia/UK/EU” list in 2020.
5. How did Zainab Abbas handle the controversy surrounding her old tweets?
Zainab addressed the controversy directly, apologizing for her old tweets and clarifying that they did not represent her values. She handled the situation with professionalism, demonstrating growth and maturity.
Conclusion
Zainab Abbas is a true pioneer who has reshaped Pakistan’s sports journalism landscape. From her humble beginnings in makeup artistry to becoming a global voice in cricket broadcasting, Zainab has exemplified what it means to break barriers and challenge norms.
Her achievements have opened doors for countless women in the media industry, showing that no goal is too big if you are determined to reach it. As she continues to excel and break new ground, Zainab’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and the unwavering belief that one can always pave the way for others to follow.
