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"Bharat is my matrubhumi": PAK great hails India, exposes PCB with explosive remark

Poulomi Chakraborty

Danish Kaneria (extreme right) with his Pakistani teammates [Source: AFP]Danish Kaneria (extreme right) with his Pakistani teammates [Source: AFP]

Over the years, the India-Pakistan rivalry has been the most interesting part in the cricket world as the world stops breathing whenever the arch-rivals take the field. Every clash ignites passion, tension, and drama, spilling beyond the boundary ropes as fans and former cricketers from both nations fuel the fire with fierce debates and heated exchanges.

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria often makes headlines with his outspoken comments on India. After facing backlash and rumours linking his remarks to a potential Indian citizenship, Kaneria stepped forward to set the record straight.

Kaneria wins love in Pakistan and faces backlash at the same time

Over the years, Pakistan has produced several cricketing stars over the years and Danish Kaneria is one of the legendary players of the nation. The Pakistani leg spinner has delivered some match-winning spells while representing the Men in Green. Being the only second Hindu player of the side, a spot fixing scandal eclipsed his well-settled career.

As most of the Pakistani players didn’t hesitate to take sharp jabs at their arch-rivals, India, Kaneria walked on a different path. His recent comments on India’s internal matters sparked backlash, yet he revealed that alongside the overwhelming support he received, he has also faced harsh criticism and discrimination from Pakistan.

“Lately, I have seen many people questioning me, asking why I do not speak about Pakistan, why I comment on Bharat’s internal matters, and some even alleging that I do all this for Bharatiya citizenship. I feel it is important to set the record straight,” Kaneria wrote on his ‘X’ handle.
"From Pakistan and its people, I have received much, above all, the love of the awam. But alongside that love, I also faced deep discrimination from Pakistani authorities and the PCB, including attempts of forced conversion,” he added.

Indian citizenship is not on Kaneria’s radar

As the Pakistani star openly expresses his fondness for India, he faces harsh trolling and criticism. Recently, a rumor indicated that Kaneria is doing it all to secure an Indian citizenship. Clearing the air, he said that he has no such plans.

“Regarding Bharat and its citizenship, let me be absolutely clear. Pakistan may be my Janmabhoomi, but Bharat, the land of my ancestors, is my Matrubhumi. For me, Bharat is like a temple. At present, I have no plans to seek Bharatiya citizenship. If in the future someone like me chooses to do so, the CAA is already in place for people like us,” he added.

Donning Pakistan’s jersey, Danish Kaneria secured 261 wickets in 61 Tests with an economy rate of 3.07. Switching the format, he played 18 ODI matches and secured 15 wickets with an economy rate of 4.79. Rising as one of the fiercest spinners of his era, his glittering career came to an abrupt halt when a spot-fixing scandal led to a lifetime ban, robbing cricket of one of its finest talents.