Danish Kaneria, former Pakistani cricketer, spoke at a Congressional briefing about the discrimination faced by minorities in Pakistan, including pressure to convert to Islam. He cited Shahid Afridi as a key figure in this discrimination while acknowledging support from other teammates. Kaneria’s career suffered significantly due to this treatment, prompting him to advocate for minority rights in the US.
Danish Kaneria, a former cricketer for Pakistan and the second Hindu player to represent the national team, addressed a Congressional briefing in Washington, highlighting the challenges faced by minorities in Pakistan. He articulated that Muslim players discriminated against him throughout his career, leading to significant professional setbacks. According to Kaneria, their treatment included social exclusion among teammates.
During the briefing, Kaneria expressed deep concerns about the discrimination he encountered, stating, “We all gathered here and shared our experiences of how we were treated in Pakistan. We have faced discrimination, and today, we raised our voices against it.” He attributed his current residence in the United States to the need for awareness regarding the sufferings of minority communities.
Danish Kaneria cited prominent figures in his career, including Inzamam-ul-Haq and Shoaib Akhtar, who supported him. However, he revealed that Shahid Afridi pressured him to convert to Islam multiple times. “I was doing well in my career and was playing county cricket too. Shahid Afridi was the main person telling me to convert, and he did a lot of times,” Kaneria disclosed.
Danish Kaneria’s remarks underscore the pressing issues faced by minorities in Pakistan, spotlighting the discrimination he personally endured during his cricketing career. His experiences illustrate the broader challenges minorities encounter in their professional lives. By raising these concerns in a high-profile setting, he aims to advocate for change and greater recognition of minority rights.
Original Source: www.news18.com
