Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has accused ex-captain Shahid Afridi of trying to convince him to convert his religion into Islam. The 42-year-old revealed that Inzamam-ul-Haq was the only Pakistan skipper who supported him and that most others caused him plenty of trouble.
Kaneria, who made his international debut in 2000, finished his career as Pakistan's highest wicket-taking spinner. In 61 Tests, the wrist-spinner took 261 scalps at 34.79 with 15 five-wicket hauls and a couple of ten-wicket hauls. However, his career was marred with controversies.
In an interview with Aaj Tak, Kaneria spilled the beans on the discrimination he faced during his playing days and how Shahid Afridi used to talk about religion conversion with him consistently.
"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."
"PCB didn't support me because I was Hindu" - Danish Kaneria
Kaneria also highlighted that his performances didn't drop and that it was only due to the religion that he didn't get preference. The veteran heaped praise on India, where everyone has got an equal chance.
"PCB didn't support me because I was Hindu and I would break all the records. They couldn't drop me based on my performance. They knew I could break all the records and Pakistan has never had a Hindu rising through the ranks. India has given chances to everyone. My father also died that time, so I was very upset."
Kaneria last played a competitive match in 2012.
