Danish Kaneria on Friday said there were a “few players” who humiliated him for being a Hindu during his time with the national team but he never felt the urge to change his religion. The leg spinner, who has been serving a life ban for spot-fixing, has been brought into the limelight after former pacer Shoaib Akhtar alleged that some Pakistani players used to humiliate him due to his faith. While speaking to ‘Samaa’ channel on Friday, Kaneria spoke about this matter.
“(But) I never made an issue of it. I just ignored them because I wanted to focus on my cricket and bring victories for Pakistan,” he said. “Look I am a proud Hindu and Pakistani. I would like to make it clear here don’t try to portray our cricket fraternity in Pakistan in negative manner because there are a lot of people who have supported me and backed me regardless of my religion.”
“Shoaib bhai has said what he must have heard or someone must have told him but I have represented Pakistan at the highest level and I feel proud of it. When I came into cricket I always wanted to represent Pakistan at the highest level and I did that,” he said.
The leg-spinner, who had played 61 Tests for Pakistan, made it clear that the then captain Inzamam-ul-Haq always supported him.
“Inzamam called me a match-winner. I can say lot of institutions supported me in my career. I always did my best on the ground to prove Inzamam right. The fact is I am proud to be a Pakistani,” he said. “Pakistan is my janambhumi and I don’t think anyone should politicise this issue or our cricket fraternity because of a few players’ behaviour. I request everyone don’t give it a wrong angle.”
Read here: PCB comments on Shoaib Akhtar and Danish Kaneria matter
However, in a statement, Danish Kaneria has also revealed that his life is “not in a good shape” and therefore requested Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to get him “out of the mess”.
“Today, I saw the interview of the legendary bowler Shoaib Akhtar. I personally thank him for telling the truth. At the same time, I am grateful to all the players who supported me wholeheartedly as a cricketer. Also thankful to media, genuine cricket administrators, and citizens of Pakistan who supported me regardless of my religious affiliation,” he said.
Kaneria, who played for Pakistan between 2000 and 2010, is the only second Hindu player to play for Pakistan, after Anil Dalpat.
“There were certain elements in the society who opposed. However, the opposition could not sustain against the people who loved me. I always remained positive in life and ignored such opposition,” the leg-spinner said.
“At the same time, my life is not in a good shape and I approached many individuals in Pakistan and around the world to resolve my issues. Yet, I have not received any help. Issues of many cricketers of Pakistan have been resolved though,” he added.
“I gave everything possible for Pakistan as a cricketer and I am very proud of it. And in the hour of need I am positive that the people of Pakistan will help me. I need support from all legendary players of Pakistan including honourable Prime Minister Imran Khan, cricket administrators of Pakistan and other countries to get me out of the mess. Please come forward and help me out,” he shared.
Kaneria placed at fourth in the list of bowlers who have taken most Test wickets for Pakistan, after fast bowlers Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Imran Khan.
