New Delhi: Former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria alleged on Monday that former captain Shahid Afridi threatened to destroy his career if he did not become a Muslim.
Kaneria, a Hindu who does not play for Pakistan any more, made the allegation in a tweet in response to Afridi's remarks that the former bowler was accusing him to get cheap fame and make money. Afridi also pulled up Kaneria for speaking to the Indian media, saying India is an enemy country.
Kaneria said on Monday: "India is not our enemy. Our enemies are those who instigate people in the name of religion. If you consider India as your enemy, then don't ever go to any Indian media channel. When I raised my voice against forced conversion, I was threatened that my career would be destroyed."
Kaneria had initially told Zee News: Shahid Afridi was the only player who always tried to degrade me. We used to play together for the same department, he used to keep me on the bench and didn't let me play the one-day tournament.
"Afridi used to bench me whenever he was the captain. He used to ruin my whole domestic season even when I was performing well. "I don't know what issue Afridi had with me but he always downgraded me. All these incidents were mentally disturbing for me. "Yes, Afridi used to often tell me to convert to Islam. But I never used to take him seriously. I believe in my religion and it does not depend on cricket," he had said.
In response, Afridi told Pakistan's News International: "The person saying all this, look at his own character. He is accusing me to get cheap fame and make money. "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," Afridi added. (UNI)