Danish Kaneria: Pakistan cricket has been facing severe turmoil in recent times, with frequent changes in captains, coaches, and management. The team’s performance has been under scrutiny, especially after the embarrassing exit from the 2025 Champions Trophy. While fans and former players were still coming to terms with this disappointment, former cricketer Danish Kaneria has once again made serious allegations of religious discrimination against Pakistan cricket.
Kaneria, who belongs to Pakistan’s Hindu minority community, has claimed that he faced systematic discrimination throughout his career, which eventually led to its premature end. He stated that his religion was a significant reason for the way he was treated and that he was never given the respect or opportunities he deserved as a cricketer.
Danish Kaneria’s Accusations Against Pakistan Cricket
Recently, Danish Kaneria attended an event in Washington, USA, where he spoke about the treatment of religious minorities in Pakistan. During the event, he openly discussed how he was a victim of discrimination throughout his cricketing career.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Kaneria stated:”Today, we have all gathered here to highlight the discrimination that we have faced and to raise our voices against it. I, too, faced discrimination in Pakistan, which ruined my career. I was never treated equally, nor was I given the respect I deserved.”
Kaneria has consistently raised this issue in the past, but this time, his remarks have gained global attention as he made these claims on international soil.
Appeal to the United States for Intervention
Kaneria did not stop at merely discussing his personal experiences. He went a step further and made a direct appeal to the United States, urging them to intervene and support people like him who face discrimination in sports.
He further stated:”Our goal is to spread awareness about this issue. I urge the USA to take strict action against such treatment and help people like me who have suffered due to discrimination.”
This appeal highlights the deep frustration and disappointment Kaneria has with Pakistan’s cricket administration and overall societal attitudes towards minorities.
The Short-Lived Career of Danish Kaneria
Early Success and Rise in International Cricket
Danish Kaneria made his Test debut for Pakistan in 2000 and quickly established himself as one of the country’s most promising leg-spinners. He became known for his accurate bowling, sharp turn, and ability to trouble even the best batsmen.
Kaneria played a crucial role in several Pakistani victories, particularly in Test matches, where his ability to extract turn on subcontinental pitches made him a valuable asset to the team.
Some of his career highlights include:
- Made his Test debut in 2000 against England.
- Played 61 Test matches for Pakistan.
- Took 261 wickets at an average of 34.79.
- Best bowling figures in a Test match: 7/77.
- Represented Pakistan in 18 ODIs, taking 15 wickets.
Despite being one of Pakistan’s most successful spinners, Kaneria’s international career ended prematurely, which he attributes to religious discrimination.
Retirement at the Age of 29: A Career Cut Short
In modern cricket, many players reach the peak of their careers in their 30s, with some even continuing into their late 30s or early 40s. However, Danish Kaneria was forced into retirement at just 29 years old, a time when most cricketers are at their best.
This sudden end to his career has been a major talking point, with Kaneria frequently stating that his exclusion from the national team was not based on performance but on his religious identity.
Previous Allegations and Match-Fixing Controversy
Danish Kaneria has raised concerns about discrimination in Pakistan cricket multiple times, but his credibility has often been questioned due to his involvement in a match-fixing scandal.
In 2012, Kaneria was found guilty of spot-fixing in English county cricket while playing for Essex. As a result, he was banned for life from all forms of cricket by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Although Kaneria admitted to being involved in fixing years later, he has maintained that his treatment in Pakistan cricket was unfair and that he was singled out due to his religion.
Reactions from the Cricketing World
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Response
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has largely ignored or dismissed Kaneria’s claims in the past, stating that selections in Pakistan cricket are based on merit, not religion. However, some of Kaneria’s former teammates have admitted that he faced discrimination behind the scenes.
Support from Indian Cricket Community
Kaneria has received support from Indian cricketers and analysts, who have highlighted his contributions to Pakistan cricket and expressed sympathy for his situation. Some former Indian cricketers have even called for India to support Kaneria in his legal battles.
Public Reactions
Reactions from the public have been divided. While many have sympathized with Kaneria, others believe that he is using his religious identity as an excuse for his downfall. Many critics argue that his involvement in match-fixing was the real reason behind his career’s premature end.
The Larger Issue of Minority Rights in Pakistan Cricket
Kaneria’s case is not the only example of alleged discrimination in Pakistan cricket. Over the years, there have been several reports of non-Muslim players struggling to get equal opportunities.
Some key points to consider:
- Pakistan has had very few non-Muslim cricketers in its history.
- Past Hindu cricketers, such as Anil Dalpat and Wallis Mathias, also faced challenges.
- Minorities often face societal and institutional discrimination, making it difficult for them to succeed in sports.
While the PCB denies such claims, Kaneria’s allegations bring renewed focus on this sensitive issue.
Danish Kaneria’s allegations against Pakistan cricket have once again sparked a major debate about religious discrimination in sports. While some believe that he is a victim of bias, others argue that his career decline was due to match-fixing and poor form.
Regardless of personal opinions, his statements have put Pakistan cricket under global scrutiny. His appeal to the United States for intervention further adds political significance to the issue.
Whether his claims will lead to real changes in Pakistan cricket remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Kaneria’s story is a reminder that sports and politics are often deeply intertwined, especially in a country like Pakistan.
