Pakistan's out-of-favour leg-spinner Danish Kaneria on Monday sought Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s intervention against what he called an “unjust life ban” enforced by the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Kaneria was accused of being involved in a spot-fixing scandal during England’s domestic Pro40 match in 2009.
According to Kaneria's earlier statements, his involvement is yet to be proven in a court of law, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have maintained their life ban on him.
He was accused for “prompting” Essex teammate Mervyn Westfield into spot-fixing.
In a letter to the Federal Minister for Human Rights Zahid Hamid, Kaneria called for Sharif’s help to remove the ban.
The leggie wrote: “I urge you to please help me in requesting the Prime Minister who is the Patron of PCB to review my case.”
"The ECB has banned me from playing cricket in England based on the mere false statements of the convicted English Country cricketer, Mervyn Westfield,” the 35-year old stated.
The Karachi-born cricketer mentioned the names of the tainted trio which was convicted in the famous spot-fixing saga during Pakistan’s tour to England in 2010.
“All convicted cricketers (Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir) are slowly and steadily allowed to play domestic and international cricket, even the ECB has allowed Mervyn Westfield to play professional cricket in (the) UK,” mentioned the leggie.
Kaneria, who donned the Pakistan colours in 61 Tests and 18 One Day Internationals, said the integrity and honesty have been an integral part of his cricketing career.
"I have played for Pakistan and English County Cricket with all honesty and integrity and I have never indulged in any spot-fixing or match-fixing throughout my career,” he added.
The unorthodox leg-break bowler last played for Pakistan back in 2010 against England at Nottingham.
