Who is Zainab Abbas?: Early Life, Education, Net Worth, Family, Books, Controversies, Social Media Following, and More

Zainab Abbas has become a familiar face to cricket lovers across Pakistan and around the world. Known for her charm, sharp cricket insights, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated field, she has established herself as one of Pakistan’s most respected sports presenters and commentators. From her early life in Lahore to her global recognition on platforms like the ICC and Sky Sports, Zainab’s journey is a story of passion, persistence, and professionalism.

Hailstorms in Pindi but yet been a great turn around by the groundsmen @thePSLt20 pic.twitter.com/kZVdA9Cjae

— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) April 16, 2025

Early Life and Family Background

Born on 14 February 1988 in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, Zainab Abbas comes from a well-known and accomplished family. Her father, Nasir Abbas, was a domestic cricketer who played for Faisalabad and Hafizabad as a bowler, while her mother, Andleeb Abbas, is a senior politician affiliated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Andleeb served as a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan and was appointed as the Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

Growing up in a cricket-obsessed household, Zainab developed a deep love for the sport at an early age. She often recalls playing cricket in her driveway with her family and describes the game as one of the few things that unite Pakistan. Her younger brother, Hussain Abbas Mirza, works as a fitness trainer and joined the Multan Sultans as their strength and conditioning specialist during the 2023 Pakistan Super League (PSL) season.

Education and Early Career

Zainab completed her undergraduate studies at Aston University in Birmingham and later earned an MBA in Marketing and Strategy from the University of Warwick in England. After completing her education, she spent two years working for Dolce & Gabbana at Harrods in London.

He was decent,wasn’t he? @BrianLara – Pak needed him batting for them yesterday😁 #livinglegend @ICC @cricketworldcup pic.twitter.com/CSbLHwCc7q

— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) June 17, 2019

However, the corporate world wasn’t where her passion lay. In an interview to a media platform, she once said, “I realized early on that I’m not really cut out for the corporate setup; I’ve always had a creative flair.” Her enthusiasm for cricket inspired her to audition for a World Cup panel show in 2015, which turned out to be a life-changing decision.

Rise in Sports Broadcasting

Zainab’s debut came when she appeared as a guest on a Dunya News show during the 2015 Cricket World Cup, alongside former Pakistani cricketers Saeed Ajmal and Imran Nazir. Her confidence, knowledge of the game, and natural on-screen presence quickly caught attention, launching her career in sports media.

Soon after, she covered Pakistan’s 2016 tour of England as a correspondent for Dunya News and appeared as a guest on the BBC’s Test Match Special. Upon returning to Pakistan, she began hosting her own show, Cricket Dewangi, from 2016 to 2018. During this time, she also contributed written sports pieces for Dawn and Dunya News.

Mid innings chat with @MClarke23 @thePSLt20 pic.twitter.com/IIeqELRlbS

— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) March 14, 2024

Since then, Zainab has worked with several top networks, including TEN Sports, Star Sports, and Sony, and has been a consistent face in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Abu Dhabi T10 League.

In 2019, she made history by becoming the first Pakistani female presenter to cover the ICC Cricket World Cup, an achievement that made her a role model for aspiring female journalists. Two years later, she joined Sky Sports for The Hundred in England, again breaking barriers as the first Pakistani female presenter to do so.

Personal Life: Husband and Children

For those wondering, who is Zainab Abbas’ husband? Zainab married Hamza Kardar in November 2019 in Lahore. Hamza is the son of Shahid Hafeez Kardar, Pakistan’s former Finance Minister and Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, and the grandson of Abdul Hafeez Kardar, Pakistan’s first cricket team captain.

Their elegant nikkah ceremony was widely covered in the media, with Zainab dressed in a beautiful white and gold outfit. Fans often search online for “who did Zainab Abbas marry?” and “who is Zainab Abbas’ husband?”;  her marriage ties her to one of the most iconic cricketing families in Pakistan’s history.

Eid Mubarak everyone ❤️ pic.twitter.com/faFBhLtFEp

— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) April 10, 2024

Together, Zainab and Hamza share a son named Hamza, who is the center of her personal world. Despite her busy professional life, Zainab often expresses her love for her family and the balance she tries to maintain between work and motherhood.

Professional Recognition and Awards

Zainab’s hard work has earned her numerous accolades. In 2019, she won the Sports TV Host of the Year award at the Pakistan Sports Awards, and in 2020, she was featured in the 100 Most Influential People in Asia/UK/EU by the New York Press Agency. That same year, she was invited to deliver a TEDx talk at TEDxLahoreWomen, sharing her experiences as a woman redefining sports broadcasting in Pakistan.

Gracing the cover of @khaleejtimes @wkndmag pic.twitter.com/JX1deth1Bx

— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) June 10, 2021

Controversies and Public Backlash

Despite her success, Zainab Abbas has also faced controversy. During the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, she traveled to India as part of the ICC’s digital team but left midway after old social media posts, labeled by some as Zainab Abbas’ old tweets or Zainab Abbas tweets on Hinduism, resurfaced online.

Some of these posts were interpreted as anti-Hindu or anti-India, leading to public backlash on social media platforms, particularly Zainab Abbas’ Twitter (X). Amid speculation that she was deported, both Zainab and the International Cricket Council (ICC) clarified that she had not been deported and had left India for personal reasons.

In her public statement, Zainab said, “I have always felt extremely fortunate and grateful for the opportunities to travel and present the sport I love;  this one would have been extra special. I was neither asked to leave nor was I deported.” She also apologized for her old tweets, noting that “they do not represent my values.”

pic.twitter.com/gwwpdIRh2u

— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) October 12, 2023

Zainab Abbas’ Personality, Interests, and Hidden Talents

Zainab often describes herself as “a passionate cricket lover first and a journalist second.” Her professional demeanor is rooted in hard work and a constant desire to learn. When not covering matches, she enjoys cooking and is especially proud of her signature dark chocolate cake recipe, passed down from her father.

Interestingly, before entering sports journalism, Zainab also worked as a makeup artist, running her own studio. Even today, her friends often turn to her for makeup sessions, a nod to her multifaceted creativity.

Looks beautiful,bright and sunny in Canberra – trust me it wasn’t! FREEZING ice cold a bit like the greens today,hoping for a better one in the next game! On to Perth (supposedly one of the most beautiful cities in Australia) #AUSvPAK #comeonPakistan pic.twitter.com/8QLSnoMPbp

— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) November 5, 2019

Social Media Following and Influence

Zainab Abbas commands a massive online presence. On Twitter (X), she boasts over 2.2 million followers, putting her close to Pakistan’s top celebrities and sports figures. Her engaging cricket insights, professional interviews, and balanced commentary have made her a respected voice in the sports community.

Her popularity skyrocketed after the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, where Pakistan’s win earned her the lighthearted nickname of the “National Lucky Charm” among fans.

As of Oct. 22, 2025, he has a social media following-

• Instagram (926K followers): @zainababbas
• X (2.2M Followers): @ZAbbasOfficial
• Facebook (26.8 Lacs Followers): @ZAbbasOfficial

Net Worth and Salary

Zainab Abbas has built an impressive career that extends beyond national borders, making her one of the highest-earning female sports presenters in Pakistan.

Her annual salary is estimated to be around PKR 8 crore, derived from her work with international cricket boards, television networks, and brand endorsements. Her net worth is approximately PKR 40 crore, reflecting her success and influence in the media and sports industries.

This financial achievement highlights her journey from a passionate cricket fan to one of the most successful women in sports broadcasting.

Books and Writing Career

Beyond television, Zainab is also a published author and sports writer. She has contributed to major cricket platforms, including ESPNCricinfo and BBC, writing analytical pieces on Pakistan cricket and global tournaments. Her literary style combines insider perspective with journalistic depth, making her one of the most insightful female voices in cricket writing.

FAQs About Zainab Abbas

1. Who is Zainab Abbas?
   Zainab Abbas is a Pakistani sports presenter, writer, and cricket analyst known for hosting ICC tournaments and the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
2. Who is Zainab Abbas married to? / Who is Zainab Abbas’ husband?
   She is married to Hamza Kardar, the grandson of Pakistan’s first Test cricket captain, Abdul Hafeez Kardar.
3. Does Zainab Abbas have children?
   Yes, she is the mother of a son named Hamza.
4. What is the age of Zainab Abbas? / How old is Zainab Abbas?
   As of 2025, Zainab Abbas is 35 years old.
5. Who is Zainab Abbas’ father and mother?
   Her father is Nasir Abbas, a former domestic cricketer, and her mother is Andleeb Abbas, a Pakistani politician.
6. What is Zainab Abbas’ net worth and salary?
   Her annual salary is approximately PKR 8 crore, and her net worth is estimated at PKR 40 crore.
7. What did Zainab Abbas say about India / Hinduism?
   Her old tweets, perceived as anti-Hindu, resurfaced during the 2023 Cricket World Cup, leading to her departure from India.
8. Why was Zainab Abbas deported?
   Though officially stated as “personal reasons,” widespread reports suggest she was deported over her old anti-Hindu tweets during the ICC World Cup 2023.

Zainab Abbas stands as a trailblazer in Pakistan’s sports media industry. From a cricket-loving girl in Lahore to an international sports presenter, her journey is one of resilience, intelligence, and professionalism. Despite facing controversies, she continues to inspire young journalists, especially women, to pursue their passions confidently and fearlessly in the male-dominated world of sports.

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