Pakistan Cricket Board hits back at Danish Kaneria over claims he was discriminated because he is a Hindu

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has hit back at spinner Danish Kaneria over his claim that he was not helped by the board to get a ban on his playing lifted because he is a Hindu. Kaneria, who is one of the most successful spinners in Pakistan history, was banned for life in 2012 by the England and Wales Cricket Board over his alleged role in spot-fixing in county cricket. The leg-spinner is yet to admit his guilt and has constantly proclaimed his innocence to the media and fans.

"We are very disappointed at Kaneria's statement. Because we didn't ban him he was banned by the England and Wales Cricket Board in the UK. And he was given all opportunity to appeal against the life ban. Being a member of the ICC the PCB is obliged to implement the decision of the ECB as well," said PCB'S media director Amjad Hussain Bhatti, as quoted by India today.

"We strongly condemn the anti-PCB statement. If he was discriminated against at any time because of his religion he would not have even played one match for Pakistan. Kaneria must not forget that he played 61 tests and 18 One Day Internationals for the country as a Hindu and things changed only after he was banned."

The 35-year-old was a regular in the Pakistan side for almost 10 years during which he took 261 wickets in 61 test matches and 15 wickets in 18 ODIs. Kaneria is only the second Hindu to represent Pakistan with his last appearance for the national team coming in 2010 when Pakistan toured England.