Former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria took to social media platform X to address rumours about him seeking Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act ( CAA), saying that he has no such plans and is currently living in the USA with his family.
Kaneria, who is a Pakistani Hindu said hew was proud of his Pakistani citizenship, but also acknowledged facing discrimination.
He responded to speculation that his positive comments about India's internal matters were motivated by desires for Indian citizenship.
Kaneria talked about his experiences with discrimination from Pakistani authorities and the Pakistan Cricket Board, including pressure to change his religion.
"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," he wrote on X.
"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.
"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.
"To those concerned for my safety, with the blessings of Prabhu Shri Ram, I am safe and happy with my family. My fate rests in the hands of Lord Ram."
The 44-year-old has committed to exposing anti-nationals and pseudo-secularists who he believes are damaging societal ethos and creating divisions. In an earlier post, he said that the Indian government has to ignore pseudo-secularists and focus on empowering the RSS.
He also shared the RSS centenary RSS coin and said, Like this coin, Bharat Mata deserves a place on Bharatiya currency too. Retweet if you agree."
Kaneria's played for Pakistan from 2000 to 2010, during which he played 61 Test matches and 18 ODIs for Pakistan as a right-arm leg spinner.
His career ended following a lifetime ban by the England and Wales Cricket Board for spot-fixing, which prevented him from participating in matches under their jurisdiction.
Kaneria, who is a Pakistani Hindu said hew was proud of his Pakistani citizenship, but also acknowledged facing discrimination.
He responded to speculation that his positive comments about India's internal matters were motivated by desires for Indian citizenship.
Kaneria talked about his experiences with discrimination from Pakistani authorities and the Pakistan Cricket Board, including pressure to change his religion.
"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," he wrote on X.
"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.
"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.
"To those concerned for my safety, with the blessings of Prabhu Shri Ram, I am safe and happy with my family. My fate rests in the hands of Lord Ram."
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.
— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61) October 4, 2025
From Pakistan and its…
The 44-year-old has committed to exposing anti-nationals and pseudo-secularists who he believes are damaging societal ethos and creating divisions. In an earlier post, he said that the Indian government has to ignore pseudo-secularists and focus on empowering the RSS.
He also shared the RSS centenary RSS coin and said, Like this coin, Bharat Mata deserves a place on Bharatiya currency too. Retweet if you agree."
Like this coin, Bharat Mata deserves a place on Bharatiya currency too. Retweet if you agree. pic.twitter.com/xp3AYgbiQe
— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61) October 5, 2025
Kaneria's played for Pakistan from 2000 to 2010, during which he played 61 Test matches and 18 ODIs for Pakistan as a right-arm leg spinner.
His career ended following a lifetime ban by the England and Wales Cricket Board for spot-fixing, which prevented him from participating in matches under their jurisdiction.
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