August 5 marked the auspicious day when Indian PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the construction of the much-awaited temple dedicated to Lord Ram in Ayodhya. The moment was almost 500 years in the making and filled followers of Hinduism and others will glee and pride.

Former Pakistani spinner Danish Kaneria also called the Ram Janmbhoomi poojan a historical day for Hindus everywhere in the world and said “Lord Ram is our ideal”.

He further tweeted, “The beauty of Lord Rama lies in his character, not in his name. He is a symbol of the victory of right over the evil. There is wave of happiness across the world today. It is a moment of great satisfaction. #JaiShriRam”

Notably, Danish Kaneria is only the second Hindu to play international cricket for Pakistan after his cousin, former wicketkeeper Anil Dalpat. Kaneria picked 261 wickets in 61 Tests for Pakistan from 2000-2010. He was later banned by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after his involvement in spot-fixing was alleged.

Kaneria has often called out the PCB for partial treatment citing that Mohammad Amir and Salman Butt were allowed to play domestic and international cricket despite their involvement in the spot-fixing cases in 2010, but he has never been given a second chance.