KARACHI: Soon after the news of Danish Kaneria’s India tour broke out, rumors started taking rounds that the banned Pakistani leg-spinner would seek asylum in the neighboring country; however, talking to this scribe, the former Test leg-spinner terms this news incorrect.
“Absolutely not! I can’t even think about leaving my homeland [Pakistan]. Yes, I have been unfairly treated but still have no intentions to seek refuge in India or in any other country for that matter”, Kaneria asserted
“The sole purpose of traveling to India, along with the mother & family, is to pay the visit to holy places”, Kaneria added
“I will return to Pakistan in a week or ten days”, Kaneria said
Danish Kaneria, the most successful test spinner of Pakistan, has been banned by the England and Wales Cricket Board for his involvement in the spot-fixing during a county game in 2009. He (Kaneria) was accused of luring in a young Essex county-mate, Mervyn Westfield into spot-fixing.
“I am obviously dejected but have not lost hope. I once again request the Prime Minister of Pakistan to look into my case”, Kaneria said
A few months ago, Danish Kaneria wrote a letter to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, who is also the patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board, requesting him to re-open his case.
The writer is a Pakistani sports journalist & tweets @mak_asif