Danish Kaneria critiques the discrimination faced by minorities in Pakistan, detailing how it destroyed his career. He highlights Shahid Afridi’s pressure to convert and contrasts it with support from Inzamam-ul-Haq. Kaneria’s advocacy emphasizes the need for awareness and action on minority issues.
Danish Kaneria, a former Pakistani cricketer, recently addressed concerns for minorities in Pakistan during a Congressional briefing in Washington. He articulated the discrimination he faced throughout his career, stating, “We have faced discrimination, and today, we raised our voices against it.” This recognition of minority issues in Pakistan is critical for raising awareness and prompting international action.
Kaneria recounted the personal impact of this discrimination, asserting that it hindered his career. He emphasized, “I did not receive the respect and equal value I deserved in Pakistan,” and expressed how this injustice contributed to his current residency in the United States. His call for awareness aims to shed light on the hardship suffered by minorities in Pakistan.
Having played 61 Tests for Pakistan, Kaneria is notable as the second Hindu cricketer to represent the country’s national team. He revealed that during his career, he frequently felt pressured by Shahid Afridi to convert to Islam. He stated, “Shahid Afridi was the main person telling me to convert, and he did a lot of times.” He acknowledged that some players, including Inzamam-ul-Haq and Shoaib Akhtar, were supportive, contrasting their treatment with that of others who excluded him.
Danish Kaneria’s revelations underscore the challenges faced by minorities in Pakistan, particularly in professional sports. His experiences with discrimination impeded his career and led him to advocate for awareness of these issues on international platforms. The call for greater recognition and action regarding the treatment of minorities is vital for fostering equality and justice.
Original Source: www.news18.com
