‘Bharat is like a temple': Former Pakistan cricketer praises RSS, shuts down citizenship rumours
Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has publicly dismissed speculation that he is seeking Indian citizenship, asserting that his recent support for India and its institutions is not politically motivated. The 44-year-old former leg-spinner said he currently has no intention of applying for Indian citizenship but considers India his "matrubhumi" (motherland).
In a detailed statement posted on social media platform X, Kaneria said, “Pakistan may be my Janmabhoomi (birthplace), 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.”
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
Kaneria's remarks follow a wave of online scrutiny over his social media posts praising India and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which some interpreted as part of a broader effort to secure Indian citizenship. On Dussehra, Kaneria had posted that the RSS is “dedicated to social service without seeking recognition,” adding,
“No caste, no religion, no boundaries, just service. I salute every volunteer carrying this mission forward. #RSS100Years.”
Addressing the criticism, Kaneria clarified that his comments were not intended to win favour with Indian authorities, but to express his beliefs and support for what he views as efforts to preserve Indian society.
“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 said.
Kaneria, who played 61 Tests and 18 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for Pakistan between 2000 and 2010, also recounted the discrimination he faced during his cricketing career in Pakistan.
“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.”
Kaneria was banned for life by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2012 after being found guilty of spot-fixing during his time with Essex, a charge he continued to deny for six years afterward until he expressed remorse over the incident.
In his latest statement, Kaneria added that he would continue to support causes aligned with “dharma” and would speak out against what he termed “anti-nationals and pseudo-secularists”.
“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.”
Kaneria’s comments have reignited conversations around religious minorities in Pakistani sport, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in India, and the cross-border complexities of identity and allegiance.