Mon Apr 28 18:56:19 UTC 2025: ## Former Pakistan Cricketer Kaneria Accuses Afridi of Religious Discrimination and Extremism
**Washington D.C.** – Former Pakistan Test cricketer Danish Kaneria, the country’s highest wicket-taking spinner, has leveled serious allegations against his former teammate and captain, Shahid Afridi. In a statement made following a Congressional Briefing on the plight of minorities in Pakistan, Kaneria accused Afridi of promoting extremist views, attempting to coerce him into converting to Islam, and showing him deep disrespect by refusing to share meals.
Kaneria, a Hindu who played 61 Tests for Pakistan between 2000 and 2010, stated that Afridi “should not be given a platform on Indian television or within the country” due to his alleged extremist views. He further elaborated on the alleged discrimination he faced throughout his career in Pakistan, claiming his career was “destroyed” due to a lack of respect and equal value afforded to him as a minority.
Kaneria, who holds the record for the fourth highest number of wickets taken by a Pakistani cricketer with 261 Test scalps, participated in the Congressional briefing to highlight the discrimination faced by minorities in Pakistan. He urged the US to take action against what he described as widespread issues of discrimination within the country. His accusations against Afridi add a significant layer to his broader claims of systemic prejudice within Pakistani cricket and society.
First Piper 