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While it has been a week since the Asia Cup 2025 culminated with India winning their record ninth title in Dubai, beating Pakistan by five-wicket margin, the controversies have overshadowed the performances. Amidst this, former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria, who has been very vocal of his fondness with India, once again hogged limelight for his recent comments.
Although, the former Pakistan cricketer has spoken out loud a lot of times, he recently addressed rumours of seeking Indian citizenship. While the 44-year-old, who currently resides in the USA with his family, denied seeking Indian citizenship straight up, but his comments saw him compare his relation with Pakistan as well as India.
Pakistan may be my Janmabhoomi, but Bharat is my Matrubhumi: Danish Kaneria
In a social media post, the former cricketer has stated
that Pakistan is his 'Janmabhoomi' while India remains his 'Matrubhumi'. "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," he began his post on X with.
He reiterated that he has been discriminated by the PCB, that is why he avoids to speak of them, stating, "From Pakistan and its people, I have received much, above all, the love of the awam. But alongside that love, I also faced deep discrimination from Pakistani authorities and the PCB, including attempts of forced conversion.” When inquired of his likeliness to take Indian citizenship, he added, “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. If in the future someone like me chooses to do so, the CAA is already in place for people like us,” he further added. It is to be noted that Kaneria served the Pakistan cricket team for 10 years from 2000 to 2010, in which he played 61 Tests and 18 ODIs.
