Danish Kaneria said Shahid Afridi had ruined his career.
Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has made shocking revelations about the former captain and legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi. He has alleged that Afridi was characterless and a liar, who mistreated him just because he was a Hindu, during his playing days with the Pakistan national team.
Kaneria told IANS: “Shoaib Akhtar was the first person to talk about my problem in public. Hats off to him for saying it (how I was mistreated in the team because of being a Hindu). However, he was later pressured by several authorities. He then stopped talking about it.”
He continued, “But yes, it did happen to me. I was always degraded by Shahid Afridi. We used to play together for the same department; he used to keep me on the bench and didn't let me play in the one-day tournament. He didn't want me to be in the team. He was a liar, manipulator... because he's a characterless person. However, my focus was only on cricket and I used to ignore all these tactics.
Read Also: “I feel the PCB should be independent from the government” feels Shahid Afridi
Shahid Afridi was the only person who would go to other players and provoke them against me. I was performing well and he was jealous of me. I am proud that I played for Pakistan. I was grateful.”
Meanwhile, Kaneria, who was banned by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over alleged involvement in the spot-fixing scandal, said that all the claims are false and that whatever happened to him was just because of Afridi. He claimed Afridi was responsible else he could have played more than just the 18 ODIs he did for Pakistan.
The 41-year-old further explained: “Some false allegations were leveled against me (of spot-fixing). My name was joined with the person involved in the case. He was a friend of other Pakistani cricketers as well, including Afridi. But I don't know why I was targeted. I just want to request the PCB to lift the ban so that I can do my work.”
He signed off by saying, “There are several fixers who got out of the ban. I don't know why I am not able to get that treatment. I have played for my country and I should be given a chance like others as well. Now I am not even playing any international cricket. I am not asking the PCB for any job, but please lift this ban so that I can live peacefully and do my work with respect.”
(With IANS Inputs)