Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has broken his silence on growing speculation that he is seeking Indian citizenship. In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Kaneria clarified that he has “no plans” to apply for Indian nationality while expressing deep admiration for India, which he described as his “Matrubhumi” (motherland).
Kaneria, one of the few Hindu players to have represented Pakistan, has long spoken about facing discrimination during his cricket career. In his latest statement, he acknowledged Pakistan as his “Janmabhoomi” (birth land) but said his ancestral and spiritual ties belong to India.
‘Pakistan is my Janmabhoomi, Bharat my Matribhumi’
“Lately, I have seen many people questioning me, asking why I do not speak about Pakistan, why I comment on Bharat’s internal matters, and some even alleging that I do all this for Bharatiya citizenship. I feel it is important to set the record straight,” Kaneria wrote on X.
“Regarding Bharat and its citizenship, let me be absolutely clear. Pakistan may be my Janmabhoomi, but Bharat, the land of my ancestors, is my Matrubhumi. For me, Bharat is like a temple. At present, I have no plans to seek Bharatiya citizenship,” he said in his post.
The leg-spinner also addressed claims about his alleged political leanings, saying his admiration for India comes from faith and heritage, not political motivation.
‘CAA already provides for people like us’
Kaneria highlighted the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), saying it already offers a framework for people in situations similar to his. “If in the future someone like me chooses to do so, the CAA is already in place for people like us,” he said.
The former cricketer added that he would “continue to stand for dharma” and “expose the anti-nationals and pseudo-secularists who are damaging our ethos.”
Ending his message with a spiritual note, Kaneria wrote, “With the blessings of Prabhu Shri Ram, I am safe and happy with my family. My fate rests in the hands of Lord Ram. Jai Shri Ram.”
Kaneria played 61 Tests and 18 ODIs for Pakistan between 2000 and 2010 before being banned for life by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in a spot-fixing case.
