Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has addressed rumours about seeking Indian citizenship, confirming he has no such plans. He currently lives in the USA with his family.
Kaneria, who is Hindu by religion, expressed pride in his Pakistani citizenship while acknowledging facing discrimination. He responded to speculation that his positive comments about India's internal matters were motivated by desires for Indian citizenship.
Through a post on X, Kaneria discussed his experiences with discrimination from Pakistani authorities and the Pakistan Cricket Board, including pressure to change his religion.
"Lately, I have seen many people questioning me, asking why I do not speak about Pakistan, why I comment on Bharat's internal matters, and some even alleging that I do all this for Bharatiya citizenship. I feel it is important to set the record straight," he wrote on X.
"From Pakistan and its people, I have received much, above all, the love of the awam. But alongside that love, I also faced deep discrimination from Pakistani authorities and the PCB, including attempts of forced conversion.
"Regarding Bharat and its citizenship, let me be absolutely clear. Pakistan may be my Janmabhoomi, but Bharat, the land of my ancestors, is my Matrubhumi. For me, Bharat is like a temple. At present, I have no plans to seek Bharatiya citizenship. If in the future someone like me chooses to do so, the CAA is already in place for people like us.
"To those concerned for my safety, with the blessings of Prabhu Shri Ram, I am safe and happy with my family. My fate rests in the hands of Lord Ram."
The 44-year-old has committed to exposing anti-nationals and pseudo-secularists who he believes are damaging societal ethos and creating divisions.
Kaneria's cricket career spanned from 2000 to 2010, during which he played 61 Test matches and 18 ODIs for Pakistan as a right-arm leg spinner.
His career ended following a lifetime ban by the England and Wales Cricket Board for spot-fixing, which prevented him from participating in matches under their jurisdiction.
He now resides in the United States of America with his family.
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