"Shahid Afridi tried forcing me to convert to Islam" - Danish Kaneria makes bold revelation
Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria recently opened up on the discrimination he faced from his teammates during his playing days for being a Hindu.
Kaneria revealed that former captain Shahid Afridi wanted him to give up Hinduism and convert to Islam. He also named Inzamam-ul-Haq and Shoaib Akhtar as the only two Pakistani players who stood by him.
In an interview with Aaj Tak, Danish Kaneria said (6:33):
"My career was going really well, and I was playing County cricket as well. Inzamam-ul-Haq and Shoaib Akhtar were the only people who supported me. Shahid Afridi troubled me a lot. Afridi and others wouldn't eat with me. Shahid Afridi tried forcing me to convert to Islam."
Kaneria argued that while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did back several players who were charged with spot-fixing, the officials didn't support him because of his religion. He added (7:53):
"I was charged with spot-fixing during my county stint. I admitted that I only met a bookie; that was about it. But they pressured me to accept the charges. The PCB didn't support me because I am a Hindu. They were scared that if I continued to play, I would break their records."
It is worth mentioning that Danish Kaneria was handed a life ban by the English and Wales Cricket Board for spot-fixing. However, he claims that he is innocent and hasn't indulged in any such methods.
"I will always fight for my Hindu community" - Danish Kaneria
Danish Kaneria has been slammed by a certain section of Pakistanis for his religious comments. He emphasised that he would continue to raise his voice whenever there is an injustice.
The 42-year-old suggested that for him, his religion will always be at the forefront. Kaneria elaborated (5:36):
"For me, my Sanatana Dharma is above everything. I am not saying anything wrong or making things up. I will raise my voice if anything wrong happens. There are a number of cases in Pakistan like these that have not even been reported. The situation is right in front of the whole world. I will always fight for my Hindu community."
Kaneria had a stellar Test career, picking up 261 wickets from 61 matches. He is the fourth-highest wicket-taker for Pakistan in the red-ball format.