ISLAMABAD: Danish Kaneria, cricketer from Pakistan who belongs to the minority Hindu community of the country has opened up about his perceptions towards India and its culture. He has strongly aligned with and advocated for his roots in India by quoting his motherland as ‘my matrubhoomi’. He has also expressed his views about seeking Indian citizenship. Danish Kaneria is among the very few Hindu cricketers who have represented Pakistan in international cricket. He has played 61 Test matches and 18 ODI matches for Pakistan.
While answering to those who repeatedly questioned about Danish Kaneria’s aspiration to seek Indian citizenship, he spoke about the attempts of forced religious conversion faced in Pakistan and also the discrimination faced from the Pakistan Cricket Board(PCB). “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”, said Danish Kaneria.
He said that he has received immense love and support from the common people of Pakistan, ‘awam’. At the same time, Kaneria asserted that, he has experienced ‘deep discrimination’ from Pakistan authorities and the Pakistan Cricket Board, including the attempts of ‘forced conversion’.
Bharat is my Matrubhoomi, my temple
Danish Kaneria also exclaimed about the difference between Pakistan and India, in his perception. He said, “Pakistan may be my Janmaabhoomi, but Bharat, the land of my ancestors, is my matrubhoomi. For me, Bharat is like a temple”. He further clarified that as of now, he doesn’t have any palns to seek the Bharatiya citizenship. However, if he aspires to have one in the future or someone like him(belonging to minority Hindu community in Pakistan or Bangladesh) wishes to have the Indian citizenship, the Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA) is in aid for them.
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.
From Pakistan and its…
— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61) October 4, 2025
The Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA) was enacted in 2019, enables the minority communities of Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsi and Christians residing in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to seek Indian citizenship, who are hitherto crumbling under religious persecution and other atrocities in the neighbouring countries.
Will stand by ‘Dharma’ and expose ‘psuedo-secularists’
Danish Kaneria also affirmed that irrespective of having the Bharatiya citizenship, he will stand firm by his “Dharma” and will expose anti-nationalists and pseudo secularists who are trying to damage or harm the cultural ethos and are making illicit attempts to divide the society. Thus, Kaneria rejected the accusations that his pro-Bharatiya stance is a calculated move to seek Indian citizenship. Instead, he asserted that, devoid of citizenship, he will protect his dharma.
In the end of his detailed post on the X social media platform, Danish Kaneria thanked everyone who wished for his safety and reiterated, “To those concerned for my safety, with the blessings of Prabhu Shri Ram, I am safe and happy with my family. My fate rests in the hands of Lord Ram”. Lately, the statements by Danish Kaneria are widely circulated in social media and discussed for his strong Bharatiya values and bold affiliations despite being in Pakistan. His courage to be firm with his roots and speak publicly is been hailed.
Infact, Danish Kaneria wished and congratulated the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS) on its centenary celebrations on October 2. He had written about RSS on his X platform, saying, “The world needs more organizations like RSS, dedicated to social service without seeking recognition. I have seen their work across the globe. Helping communities, supporting the needy and empowering the youth. No caste, no, religion, no boundaries, just service. I salute every volunteer carrying this mission forward”.
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