Danish Kaneria, a former Pakistan spinner, has levelled a serious charge against Shahid Afridi. Kaneria alleged that the ex-Pakistan captain was a liar and a characterless individual who incited people to hate him only because he was Hindu. Shoaib Akhtar made a similar allegation about Kaneria’s mistreatment in the Pakistan national squad last year for his religious sentiments.
Former spinner Shahid Afridi has been accused of a serious religious offence by the former spinner. Kaneria told IANS that Afridi was a ‘liar’ who insulted him only because he was a Hindu playing for Pakistan. Meanwhile, Kaneria isn’t the first to make such an announcement.
“Shoaib Akhtar was the first to speak up about my plight publicly. He should be commended for saying it (how I was mistreated in the team because of being a Hindu). Later, though, he was subjected to pressure from a number of authorities. He didn’t say anything else about it after that. It did, however, occur to me. Shahid Afridi was constantly criticising me. When we used to play for the same department, he used to keep me on the bench and wouldn’t allow me participate in the one-day tournament. He didn’t want me on the team at all. He was a liar and a manipulator… because he lacked character.”
My emphasis, on the other hand, was solely on cricket, and I used to dismiss all of these approaches. Shahid Afridi was the lone guy who would go out of his way to instigate other players against me. He felt envious of me since I was doing well. I feel honoured to have represented Pakistan. I was grateful.”
“Several fixers have been released from their ban” – Danish Kaneria
The 41-year-old Kaneria, who was suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board for alleged involvement in the spot-fixing affair, claimed that if it hadn’t been for Shahid Afridi, he may have played more than 18 ODIs for Pakistan.
“Several fixers have been released from their ban. I’m not sure why I’m unable to receive such treatment. I’ve represented my country and should be given the same opportunity as others. I don’t even play international cricket anymore. I’m not asking for a job from the PCB, but please withdraw the ban so that I can live in peace and do my job with dignity, Danish Kaneria concluded.
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