Table of Contents
Former Pakistan cricketer, Danish Kaneria, renowned for his outspoken opinions, is once again in the spotlight. This time, he has raised questions about current Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan‘s decision to publicly perform Namaz (Islamic prayers) in front of the Indian crowd during the ODI World Cup 2023.
Danish Kaneria’s candid remarks on Mohammad Rizwan’s religious display
In a recent interview with Aaj Tak, Kaneria voiced his criticism of Rizwan’s public expression of religious devotion, suggesting that such acts should be confined to the dressing room rather than displayed on the cricket field. Additionally, Kaneria pointed out that Indian cricketers like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are known for their religious practices but refrain from public displays.
“For this current Pakistani team, religion comes first, then it’s politics, while cricket is the third priority. I don’t understand their antics. If you want to offer Namaz, do it in the dressing room,” Kaneria said.
“What’s the need to do it in front of everyone? We also do our Puja. But we don’t start doing Aarti on the ground. What do you think—Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli don’t pray, or Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj don’t offer Namaz?,” the 42-year-old added.
Also READ: World Cup 2023: PCB provides major update amid growing calls of removing Babar Azam from captaincy
Kaneria opens up about discrimination in his career
Kaneria also shared insights into the discrimination he faced during his playing days, revealing how Shahid Afridi consistently discussed religious conversion with him. He further disclosed that Inzamam-ul-Haq was the only Pakistan captain who supported him during these challenging times.
“I was doing well in my career and was playing county cricket too. Inzamam-ul-Haq supported me a lot and was the only captain who did so. Alongside him, Shoaib Akhtar. Shahid Afridi and many other Pakistan players troubled me a lot and didn’t used to eat with me. They used to talk about conversion, but my religion is everything to me. Shahid Afridi was the main person telling me to convert and did a lot of times. Inzamam-ul-Haq never used to talk that way,” the Karachi-born cricketer concluded.
Kaneria’s international cricket journey for Pakistan
Kaneria, who made his international debut in 2000 and concluded his career as Pakistan’s highest wicket-taking spinner, took 261 wickets in 61 Tests at an average of 34.79. His impressive record includes 15 five-wicket hauls and a couple of ten-wicket hauls. Nevertheless, his cricketing journey was marred by several controversies. He last played a competitive match in 2012.
