Shahid Afridi hits back at Danish Kaneria after spinner’s controversial claims

Shahid Afridi, Danish Kaneria (Image Credit : Twitter)

The war of words between former Pakistan players, Danish Kaneria and Shahid Afridi have gone on to a newer level. Earlier, Kaneria had accused Afridi that the latter didn’t want him in the team when the duo played together in international cricket. The former leg-spinner had added that Afridi used to instigate the teammates against him. However, he insisted that his focus was entirely on the game and was proud to play for his country.

“He didn’t want me to be in the team. He was a liar; a manipulator because he’s a characterless person. However, my focus was only on cricket and I used to ignore all these tactics. Shahid Afridi was the only person who would go to other players and provoke them against me. I was performing well and he was jealous of me. I am proud that I played for Pakistan. I was grateful,” Kaneria had said.

Shahid Afridi has now hit back at the former Pakistan spinner. The 2009 20-20 World Cup winner questioned the character of Kaneria. The former stated that Kaneria was like a brother to him and mentioned that both played together for years. Furthermore, the former all-rounder asked if his attitude was bad towards Kaneria, then why the latter didn’t complain to the cricket board or the department for which they played.

The 42-year-old also said that the Karachi-born player is giving interviews to the country’s enemy nation which can incite religious sentiments.

“And the person saying all this, look at his own character,” Afridi was quoted by thenews.com.pk. “Kaneria was like my younger brother and I played with him in the department for many years.”

“If my attitude was bad then why he did not complain to the Pakistan Cricket Board or the department he was playing for. He is giving interviews to our enemy country which can incite religious sentiments.”

Kaneria scalped 261 wickets in 61 Tests for Pakistan from 2000 to 2010. In 2012, he was banned by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2012 over spot-fixing charges in the English County Championship pro-league matches in 2009.