Ex-Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria called himself a religious person and he expressed a desire to visit the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Calling himself a true Ram devotee,he said that he is looking forward to an opportunity to come and offer prayers at the Ram Mandir.

Kaneria had recently become a major attraction and a topic of discussion after accusing Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of discrimination. He said PCB treated his case of spot-fixing differently because he didn't belong to the majority. 

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Talking about his latest tweet on Bhoomi Poojan of Ram Mandir, the 39-year-old said he didn't want to hurt or tease anyone. "Being a religious person, I am a devoted Hindu and I always try to follow the path shown by Lord Ram. Since childhood, we have seen Ramayana and I worship Lord Ram and his ideals of life.

"The tweet that I did about Bhoomi Poojan of Ram Mandir was not done to hurt or tease anyone. I believe in Lord Ram and that's why I tweeted about it. If almighty Lord Ram desires, I will definitely come to India to see the temple. For us, it is a religious place and if I get an opportunity, I would definitely like to come to Ayodhya," he said.

Kaneria, only the second Hindu cricketer to play for Pakistan, slammed those who accuse him of playing religious card. The former leg-spinner said he took pride in playing for Pakistan.

"Playing for the Pakistan cricket team has been a matter of pride for me. Playing for my country and being a Hindu cricketer, representing the Pakistan team and winning matches for my team is like an achievement for me and it is a matter of pride and honor for me," he added. 

"People accuse me of playing the religion card. I do not mean to do this nor have I ever played the religion card. My issue is only with the Pakistan Cricket Board and its double standards. The behavior of the PCB with the rest of the players is very good but when it comes to me, I am sidelined. I regret this," he concluded.

(WITH INDIA TV INPUTS)