Former cricketer Danish Kaneria spoke out about the discrimination faced by minorities in Pakistan, revealing that his career was severely impacted and expressing concerns over the treatment of religious minorities. He specifically mentioned pressure from Shahid Afridi to convert to Islam, contrasting this with the support he received from other teammates. His statements were made during a Congressional briefing, aimed at raising awareness of the challenges faced by Pakistani Hindus.
Danish Kaneria, a former Pakistani cricketer, raised alarms about the discrimination faced by minorities in Pakistan during a Congressional briefing in Washington. He stated that his career was significantly hampered by this discrimination, asserting his concerns about minority treatment in his homeland, “We have faced discrimination, and today, we raised our voices against it.”
Kaneria, who is among the few Hindu cricketers to play for Pakistan, recounted his personal struggles, saying he did not receive the respect he deserved. He highlighted that such treatment forced him to seek refuge in the United States to raise awareness regarding their sufferings, emphasizing, “Because of this discrimination, I am in the US today.”
Regarding his experiences, he acknowledged support from several players, including Inzamam-ul-Haq and Shoaib Akhtar, but expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment from others such as Shahid Afridi. Kaneria revealed that Afridi pressured him to convert to Islam multiple times, stating, “Shahid Afridi was the main person telling me to convert, and he did a lot of times.” His testimony reflects the broader challenges faced by minorities in the country.
Danish Kaneria’s testimony underscores the significant discrimination faced by minorities in Pakistan, particularly within the realm of sports. His experiences, including pressure from fellow cricketers to convert and a lack of respect throughout his career, highlight the urgent need for awareness and advocacy for minority rights. Kaneria’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the broader issues surrounding religious intolerance and discrimination.
Original Source: www.news18.com
