The world of Pakistani cricket is in shambles, with the team’s captain, coach, and management changing on a regular basis. The fans and former players are still reeling from the disappointing performance in 2025, and now, former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria has come forward with some disturbing allegations. Kaneria claims that he was a victim of religious discrimination in Pakistan, which not only affected his career but also led to attempts to sabotage it. As a member of the minority Hindu community, Kaneria feels that he was treated unfairly and denied the respect he deserved.
Allegations of Religious Discrimination Rock Pakistani Cricket
Recently, Kaneria attended an event in Washington, USA, where the topic of discussion was the mistreatment of minorities in Pakistan. In an interview with news agency ANI, Kaneria revealed, “We’ve all gathered here today to share our experiences of facing discrimination and to speak out against it. I, too, was a victim of discrimination in Pakistan, which ultimately ruined my career. I wasn’t treated equally or given the respect I deserved.” Kaneria’s words are a stark reminder of the struggles faced by minority communities in Pakistan, and the impact it can have on their lives and careers.
Kaneria didn’t stop there; he went on to appeal to the United States to intervene and help people like him who are trying to make a mark in the sports world. He emphasized, “Our goal is to raise awareness about the mistreatment of people. I urge the US to take strong action against such behavior and help create a more inclusive environment for everyone.” Kaneria’s plea is a testament to the fact that the issue of discrimination is not limited to Pakistan, but is a global concern that requires attention and action.
A Promising Career Cut Short
In today’s cricketing world, 30 is considered the prime age for a player to reach the peak of their career. However, Danish Kaneria was forced to retire at the age of 29. Despite his impressive record of 261 wickets in 61 Test matches and 15 wickets in 18 ODI matches, Kaneria’s career was cut short due to the alleged discrimination he faced. His story serves as a reminder that talent and hard work are not enough to guarantee success, and that external factors can often play a significant role in shaping a player’s career.
As the cricketing world grapples with the allegations made by Kaneria, it’s essential to recognize the importance of creating a fair and inclusive environment for players from all backgrounds. The incident highlights the need for sports organizations and governments to take concrete steps to address discrimination and ensure that every player has an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or background. Only then can we truly say that sports are a level playing field, where talent and dedication are the only factors that matter.