Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria believes that sitting Ashwin out for the second Test against England at Lord's was a poor decision by Team India.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ind-vs-eng-joe-roots-ton-helps-england-take-lead-over-india-405448" hreflang="en">Cricket - IND vs ENG: Joe Root's ton helps England take lead over India</a>

He felt that Ashwin would have given the Men in Blue an advantage heading into the match. Skipper Virat went ahead with four pacers and a spinner for the second Test. He replaced injured Shardul Thakur with Ishant Sharma, instead of Ravichandran Ashwin.&nbsp;

"I want to talk about the magician, Ashwin. How is he not playing? I’ve been saying this from day 1 that Ashwin needs to play at Lord’s. He should have played ahead of Shardul Thakur. He has variations, can bowl from different angles. He has the carrom balls, and the way the pitch is turning out to be – we saw this with Moeen Ali, we saw that with Ravindra Jadeja. Ashwin has a good height, gets good bounce and the slope would have helped him even further," Kaneria said on his YouTube channel.

"No doubt the Indian bowlers bowled well – Siraj and Shami – but they need wickets. England is trailing by 245 and on Sunday, the role of spinners will increase. Ravindra Jadeja can contain runs, but Ashwin – who has bowled well and picked wickets on all kinds of surfaces – not including Ashwin I feel is a mistake by India. I hope that after this Test match, India doesn’t regret not playing Ashwin," added Kaneria.

Ishant Sharma played a crucial role for Team India on Day 3 as the veteran pacer scalped three crucial wickets to limit England's lead over India to just 27 runs.&nbsp;

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria believes that sitting Ashwin out for the second Test against England at Lord's was a poor decision by Team India. ALSO READ: Cricket - IND vs ENG: Joe Root's ton helps England take lead over India He felt that Ashwin would have given the Men in Blue an advantage heading into the match.

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria believes that sitting Ashwin out for the second Test against England at Lord's was a poor decision by Team India. ALSO READ: Cricket - IND vs ENG: Joe Root's ton helps England take lead over India He felt that Ashwin would have given the Men in Blue an advantage heading into the match. Skipper Virat went ahead with four pacers and a spinner for the second Test. He replaced injured Shardul Thakur with Ishant Sharma, instead of Ravichandran Ashwin. "I want to talk about the magician, Ashwin. How is he not playing? I’ve been saying this from day 1 that Ashwin needs to play at Lord’s. He should have played ahead of Shardul Thakur. He has variations, can bowl from different angles. He has the carrom balls, and the way the pitch is turning out to be – we saw this with Moeen Ali, we saw that with Ravindra Jadeja. Ashwin has a good height, gets good bounce and the slope would have helped him even further," Kaneria said on his YouTube channel. "No doubt the Indian bowlers bowled well – Siraj and Shami – but they need wickets. England is trailing by 245 and on Sunday, the role of spinners will increase. Ravindra Jadeja can contain runs, but Ashwin – who has bowled well and picked wickets on all kinds of surfaces – not including Ashwin I feel is a mistake by India. I hope that after this Test match, India doesn’t regret not playing Ashwin," added Kaneria. Ishant Sharma played a crucial role for Team India on Day 3 as the veteran pacer scalped three crucial wickets to limit England's lead over India to just 27 runs.

Ravichandran Ashwin should have played ahead of Shardul Thakur, says Danish Kaneria

Sri Lanka's World Cup-winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga's 'second-string Indian team' remarks stirred a major controversy ahead of the India vs Sri Lanka limited-overs series.

"This is a second-string Indian team and their coming here is an insult on our cricket. I blame the current administration for agreeing to play with them due to television marketing needs," Ranatunga, had told reporters at his residence, according to news agency PTI.

Several former cricketers reacted to these remarks and criticised Ranatunga for these statements. Now, former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has responded to Ranatunga's comments and said that he did not expect such a remark from him.&nbsp;

"First of all, Mr. Ranatunga. You have made this statement to remain in limelight. Because only India is a team right now who have a pool of 50-60 players, strong enough to field two different sides. And even in this team, players such as Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shikhar Dhawan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Hardik Pandya keep representing India consistently," Kaneria said on his YouTube channel.

"So I just want to say that I feel sorry to hear this coming from you. You're such a big name and yet, you made such a statement to and then fell flat on your face with Sri Lanka Cricket responding to you."

"Sri Lanka cricket is on a decline. It's almost as of they've forgotten how to play cricket. You should be happy that India is sending its team to lift you out of financial crisis. The board will get sponsors, funds and what not," Kaneria explained.

"Don't think such a statement was needed. These things only create friction between boards. I think Ranatunga must have learnt his lesson or when India would hammer Sri Lanka comprehensively, then he'll understand."

Sri Lanka's World Cup-winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga's 'second-string Indian team' remarks stirred a major controversy ahead of the India vs Sri Lanka limited-overs series.

Sri Lanka's World Cup-winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga's 'second-string Indian team' remarks stirred a major controversy ahead of the India vs Sri Lanka limited-overs series. "This is a second-string Indian team and their coming here is an insult on our cricket. I blame the current administration for agreeing to play with them due to television marketing needs," Ranatunga, had told reporters at his residence, according to news agency PTI. Several former cricketers reacted to these remarks and criticised Ranatunga for these statements. Now, former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has responded to Ranatunga's comments and said that he did not expect such a remark from him. "First of all, Mr. Ranatunga. You have made this statement to remain in limelight. Because only India is a team right now who have a pool of 50-60 players, strong enough to field two different sides. And even in this team, players such as Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shikhar Dhawan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Hardik Pandya keep representing India consistently," Kaneria said on his YouTube channel. "So I just want to say that I feel sorry to hear this coming from you. You're such a big name and yet, you made such a statement to and then fell flat on your face with Sri Lanka Cricket responding to you." "Sri Lanka cricket is on a decline. It's almost as of they've forgotten how to play cricket. You should be happy that India is sending its team to lift you out of financial crisis. The board will get sponsors, funds and what not," Kaneria explained. "Don't think such a statement was needed. These things only create friction between boards. I think Ranatunga must have learnt his lesson or when India would hammer Sri Lanka comprehensively, then he'll understand."

'Sri Lanka cricket is on a decline': Danish Kaneria responds to Arjuna Ranatunga's remarks

Former Pakistan cricket Danish Kaneria feels that Team India's star opener Rohit Sharma could smash his second double-century in the longest format at the World Test Championship finals.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-india-has-best-bowling-line-up-to-probably-travel-to-all-conditions-brendon-mccullum-390337" hreflang="en">Cricket- 'India has best bowling line-up to probably travel to all conditions': Brendon McCullum</a>

Sharma is the only cricketer to have three double tons in ODIs, whereas, just one in Test cricket. The batsman has been in sublime form and will play a vital role for India in the highly anticipated finals against New Zealand.&nbsp;

Kaneria went on to say that Rohit Sharma has much better technique than Indian skipper Virat Kohli.&nbsp;

"No doubt, Kohli belongs to a different class altogether but I feel Rohit is better than him technique-wise. Kohli is a superstar, a legend but Rohit's has a knack of getting big scores. Although that has not happened in a while, every big player I feel scores big in important matches. He is due for a double-century," Kaneria said on his YouTube channel.

Former Pak bowler added that the conditions in Southampton will suit Rohit Sharma which increases his chances to score a daddy hundred.&nbsp;

"The wicket in Southampton will suit him and I believe he is a key player. It is important that he scores runs and I am sure he will make big runs because that’s the kind of player he is. In Australia he couldn’t get a big score but that doesn’t mean he can’t. Rohit will be the key player for India in batting. Everyone has to score runs, but like I said, Rohit will be key," Kaneria added.

Former Pakistan cricket Danish Kaneria feels that Team India's star opener Rohit Sharma could smash his second double-century in the longest format at the World Test Championship finals.

Former Pakistan cricket Danish Kaneria feels that Team India's star opener Rohit Sharma could smash his second double-century in the longest format at the World Test Championship finals. ALSO READ: Cricket- 'India has best bowling line-up to probably travel to all conditions': Brendon McCullum Sharma is the only cricketer to have three double tons in ODIs, whereas, just one in Test cricket. The batsman has been in sublime form and will play a vital role for India in the highly anticipated finals against New Zealand. Kaneria went on to say that Rohit Sharma has much better technique than Indian skipper Virat Kohli. "No doubt, Kohli belongs to a different class altogether but I feel Rohit is better than him technique-wise. Kohli is a superstar, a legend but Rohit's has a knack of getting big scores. Although that has not happened in a while, every big player I feel scores big in important matches. He is due for a double-century," Kaneria said on his YouTube channel. Former Pak bowler added that the conditions in Southampton will suit Rohit Sharma which increases his chances to score a daddy hundred. "The wicket in Southampton will suit him and I believe he is a key player. It is important that he scores runs and I am sure he will make big runs because that’s the kind of player he is. In Australia he couldn’t get a big score but that doesn’t mean he can’t. Rohit will be the key player for India in batting. Everyone has to score runs, but like I said, Rohit will be key," Kaneria added.

Danish Kaneria feels this Indian batsman is 'due for double-century' in WTC Finals

Former Pakistan Mohammad Amir had recently commented that Rohit Sharma is 'to bowl to' and that the prolific Indian opener struggled with an in-swinger.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-england-pacer-jofra-archer-commences-intensive-rehabilitation-after-elbow-surgery-387466" hreflang="en">Cricket: England pacer Jofra Archer commences 'intensive rehabilitation' after elbow surgery</a>

"I find it easy to bowl to him (Rohit). I feel that I can get him out both ways. He struggles against the in-swinger from a left-armer and as well as against the ball that goes away early on," Amir had said.

However, this statement did not go down well former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria. He felt that the comment, by the former left-arm pacer, holds no significance.&nbsp;

“Mohammad Amir, you want to remain in headlines, no doubt. You have been a wonderful bowler for Pakistan. When you debuted, you made quite a name for yourself. You used to make the ball swing both ways with the new ball. You’ve troubled many batsmen and there’s nothing to take away from it. You troubled India in the Champions Trophy final and gave their batsmen a tough time in the Asia Cup as well,” Kaneria said on his YouTube channel.

He compared's Amir's remarks to that of Abdul Razzaq, who commented on Jasprit Bumrah.&nbsp;

“But such statements are made when players are about to face each other in an upcoming or an ongoing series. Neither are we going to have an India vs Pakistan series, nor are you going to bowl to Rohit Sharma. You’ve said something out of the blue, similar to what Abdul Razzaq had said about Jasprit Bumrah. So, it is fine if you want to be in the limelight by making such statements. I understand that a bowler likes to say such things, express himself by saying stuff like ‘he’s my bunny, I like to get him out’.”

“Rohit Sharma is a player who has scored so many double-centuries, and on top of that, he is a run-machine. There is hardly a player who plays spinners and fast bowlers better than him. And as far as you are concerned, you no longer have that pace or swing, because of which you couldn’t perform for the last two years and were axed from the team. So you come back, perform and when he is against you, and then make such statements. It will make for an exciting battle,” Kaneria added.&nbsp;

Former Pakistan Mohammad Amir had recently commented that Rohit Sharma is 'to bowl to' and that the prolific Indian opener struggled with an in-swinger. ALSO READ: Cricket: England pacer Jofra Archer commences 'intensive rehabilitation' after elbow surgery "I find it easy to bowl to him (Rohit).

Former Pakistan Mohammad Amir had recently commented that Rohit Sharma is 'to bowl to' and that the prolific Indian opener struggled with an in-swinger. ALSO READ: Cricket: England pacer Jofra Archer commences 'intensive rehabilitation' after elbow surgery "I find it easy to bowl to him (Rohit). I feel that I can get him out both ways. He struggles against the in-swinger from a left-armer and as well as against the ball that goes away early on," Amir had said. However, this statement did not go down well former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria. He felt that the comment, by the former left-arm pacer, holds no significance. “Mohammad Amir, you want to remain in headlines, no doubt. You have been a wonderful bowler for Pakistan. When you debuted, you made quite a name for yourself. You used to make the ball swing both ways with the new ball. You’ve troubled many batsmen and there’s nothing to take away from it. You troubled India in the Champions Trophy final and gave their batsmen a tough time in the Asia Cup as well,” Kaneria said on his YouTube channel. He compared's Amir's remarks to that of Abdul Razzaq, who commented on Jasprit Bumrah. “But such statements are made when players are about to face each other in an upcoming or an ongoing series. Neither are we going to have an India vs Pakistan series, nor are you going to bowl to Rohit Sharma. You’ve said something out of the blue, similar to what Abdul Razzaq had said about Jasprit Bumrah. So, it is fine if you want to be in the limelight by making such statements. I understand that a bowler likes to say such things, express himself by saying stuff like ‘he’s my bunny, I like to get him out’.” “Rohit Sharma is a player who has scored so many double-centuries, and on top of that, he is a run-machine. There is hardly a player who plays spinners and fast bowlers better than him. And as far as you are concerned, you no longer have that pace or swing, because of which you couldn’t perform for the last two years and were axed from the team. So you come back, perform and when he is against you, and then make such statements. It will make for an exciting battle,” Kaneria added.

Cricket: Danish Kaneria lashes out at Mohammad Amir on his comments on Rohit Sharma

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said that his remarks on ex-teammate Danish Kaneria that he was discriminated for being a Hindu were taken out of context.

Akhtar, however, said that he stood by his statement and added, it was only one or two players who discriminated against Kaneria, not the whole Pakistan team.

Akhtar earlier said that a few Pakistani cricketers were reluctant to even eat with him because he was a Hindu.

Speaking on a cricket show Shoaib Akhtar revealed how Pakistan players mistreated Kaneria, the former leg spinner, for being a Hindu.

Akhtar said that the spinner was never given due credit for his performances and that he was constantly humiliated by his teammates.

Meanwhile, Danish Kaneria confirmed Shoaib Akhtar's allegations and said that he was humiliated for being a Hindu.

''Whatever Shoaib Akhtar has said is absolutely true, I was humiliated by my teammates...I was scared to reveal names earlier but I am ready to reveal names now,'' he was quoted as saying.

Kaneria is among a few Hindu cricketers to play for Pakistan's international cricket.

He played 61 test matches for the country before being banned by International Cricket Council (ICC) for his alleged role in spot-fixing.

Kaneria is fourth on the list of bowlers with most Test wickets for Pakistan behind only fast bowlers Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and former captain and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said that his remarks on ex-teammate Danish Kaneria that he was discriminated for being a Hindu were taken out of context.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said that his remarks on ex-teammate Danish Kaneria that he was discriminated for being a Hindu were taken out of context. Akhtar, however, said that he stood by his statement and added, it was only one or two players who discriminated against Kaneria, not the whole Pakistan team. Akhtar earlier said that a few Pakistani cricketers were reluctant to even eat with him because he was a Hindu. Speaking on a cricket show Shoaib Akhtar revealed how Pakistan players mistreated Kaneria, the former leg spinner, for being a Hindu. Akhtar said that the spinner was never given due credit for his performances and that he was constantly humiliated by his teammates. Meanwhile, Danish Kaneria confirmed Shoaib Akhtar's allegations and said that he was humiliated for being a Hindu. ''Whatever Shoaib Akhtar has said is absolutely true, I was humiliated by my teammates...I was scared to reveal names earlier but I am ready to reveal names now,'' he was quoted as saying. Kaneria is among a few Hindu cricketers to play for Pakistan's international cricket. He played 61 test matches for the country before being banned by International Cricket Council (ICC) for his alleged role in spot-fixing. Kaneria is fourth on the list of bowlers with most Test wickets for Pakistan behind only fast bowlers Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and former captain and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Shoaib Akhtar says remarks on Danish Kaneria taken out of context

Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar dropped a bombshell last night by admitting that leg spinner Danish Kaneria was ostracised by a few players, not due to his cricketing skills but because of being a Hindu playing for Pakistan.&nbsp;

Kaneria had played at a time when Pakistan cricket consciously adopted a religious identity, an identity which had no space for the minority 
&nbsp; 
Danish Kaneria who played 61 tests for Pakistan and bagged 261 wickets, fourth on the all-time list behind greats Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and the country's current Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Kaneria was only the second Hindu to play for Pakistan after his maternal uncle Anil Dalpat.

Akhtar's revelations saw Kaneria come forward and detail his 'alleged victimisation'

The reason we say alleged is due to Kaneria's colourful past of being less than honest with the truth.

He is serving a match ban for match-fixing and admitted in 2018 after six years that he had lied through his trial in England.

Kaneria followed a line of great Pakistan leg spinners from Abdul Qadir to Mushtaq Ahmed and remains the most successful spinner in Pakistan test cricket.

Religious persecution within a team is unheard off but the time frame of Akhtar's allegations correspond to a turning point in Pakistan cricket where religious identity came to define the national team.

Pakistan cricketers were always flamboyant, take Imran khan for example.

Imran was not just the man who ran Pakistan cricket, he was a style icon and a playboy who had well-publicised dalliances with some of the most glamorous women on the planet.

The next generation of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and a few more were caught smoking marijuana on a tour of West Indies in the 1990s.

It all started to change under Inzamam ul Haq's captaincy in 2003 and with Javed Miandad as head coach.

It became the norm to see the Pakistan team praying in the middle of practice session and every wicket or milestone celebrated with a public display of religiosity.

Contrast this with just a handful of players doing the 'Sajda' after the seminal world cup triumph of 1992.

Keen observers of Pakistan cricket have pointed out former captain Saeed Anwar's influence in this change.

A dashing and stylish opener, Anwar turned to religion after the tragic death of his young daughter in 2001.

Gradually senior players of the time including Inzamam, Saqlain Mushtaq and Mushtaq Mohammed started sporting beards and an unwritten code was established.

It was thought that religion would discipline a team that could enthral and exasperate fans in equal measure.

Yousuf Youhana, long tipped to be a captain in waiting would ultimately convert from Christianity and become Mohammed Yousuf and did captain Pakistan eventually.

That religious phase would get toned down under Misbah ul Haq's captaincy at the beginning of this decade. It is still there but not in your face as it was in the first decade of this century.

Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar dropped a bombshell last night by admitting that leg spinner Danish Kaneria was ostracised by a few players, not due to his cricketing skills but because of being a Hindu playing for Pakistan.

Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar dropped a bombshell last night by admitting that leg spinner Danish Kaneria was ostracised by a few players, not due to his cricketing skills but because of being a Hindu playing for Pakistan. Kaneria had played at a time when Pakistan cricket consciously adopted a religious identity, an identity which had no space for the minority Danish Kaneria who played 61 tests for Pakistan and bagged 261 wickets, fourth on the all-time list behind greats Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and the country's current Prime Minister Imran Khan. Kaneria was only the second Hindu to play for Pakistan after his maternal uncle Anil Dalpat. Akhtar's revelations saw Kaneria come forward and detail his 'alleged victimisation' The reason we say alleged is due to Kaneria's colourful past of being less than honest with the truth. He is serving a match ban for match-fixing and admitted in 2018 after six years that he had lied through his trial in England. Kaneria followed a line of great Pakistan leg spinners from Abdul Qadir to Mushtaq Ahmed and remains the most successful spinner in Pakistan test cricket. Religious persecution within a team is unheard off but the time frame of Akhtar's allegations correspond to a turning point in Pakistan cricket where religious identity came to define the national team. Pakistan cricketers were always flamboyant, take Imran khan for example. Imran was not just the man who ran Pakistan cricket, he was a style icon and a playboy who had well-publicised dalliances with some of the most glamorous women on the planet. The next generation of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and a few more were caught smoking marijuana on a tour of West Indies in the 1990s. It all started to change under Inzamam ul Haq's captaincy in 2003 and with Javed Miandad as head coach. It became the norm to see the Pakistan team praying in the middle of practice session and every wicket or milestone celebrated with a public display of religiosity. Contrast this with just a handful of players doing the 'Sajda' after the seminal world cup triumph of 1992. Keen observers of Pakistan cricket have pointed out former captain Saeed Anwar's influence in this change. A dashing and stylish opener, Anwar turned to religion after the tragic death of his young daughter in 2001. Gradually senior players of the time including Inzamam, Saqlain Mushtaq and Mushtaq Mohammed started sporting beards and an unwritten code was established. It was thought that religion would discipline a team that could enthral and exasperate fans in equal measure. Yousuf Youhana, long tipped to be a captain in waiting would ultimately convert from Christianity and become Mohammed Yousuf and did captain Pakistan eventually. That religious phase would get toned down under Misbah ul Haq's captaincy at the beginning of this decade. It is still there but not in your face as it was in the first decade of this century.

Pakistan Cricket Team: From flamboyance to religious discrimination

Legendary pace bowler <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-former-pakistan-pacer-shoaib-akhtar-calls-sarfaraz-ahmed-fat-and-unfit-223491">Shoaib Akhtar</a> has alleged that the Pakistan team treated former leg-spin bowler Danish Kaneria badly because of his faith.

Shoaib Akhtar alleged that his teammate Danish Kaneria faced discrimination at the hands of a few Pakistani cricketers since he was a Hindu.

The team members were reluctant to even eat with him because he was a Hindu, he alleged during a cricket show.

Akhtar added that the Pakistan spinner was never given due credit for his performances and that he was constantly humiliated by his teammates.

"In my career, I fought with two people in the team when they started talking on regionalism. Things like 'who is from Karachi, Punjab or Peshawar', that used to&nbsp;infuriate me," Shoaib said during the show.

"So what if someone is a Hindu, he is doing well for the team. The same Hindu won the Test for us against England. If he is taking a bagful of wickets for Pakistan, he should play. We could not have won the series without Kaneria's effort but not many gave him credit for that," the former Pakistan pace bowler added.

Kaneria played in 61 Test matches for the country but was later banned by the ICC for his alleged role in spot-fixing.

Danish Kaneria is fourth on the list of bowlers with most Test wickets for Pakistan behind other fast bowling legends Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Imran Khan, the current prime minister of the country.

Legendary pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar has alleged that the Pakistan team treated former leg-spin bowler Danish Kaneria badly because of his faith. Shoaib Akhtar alleged that his teammate Danish Kaneria faced discrimination at the hands of a few Pakistani cricketers since he was a Hindu.

Legendary pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar has alleged that the Pakistan team treated former leg-spin bowler Danish Kaneria badly because of his faith. Shoaib Akhtar alleged that his teammate Danish Kaneria faced discrimination at the hands of a few Pakistani cricketers since he was a Hindu. The team members were reluctant to even eat with him because he was a Hindu, he alleged during a cricket show. Akhtar added that the Pakistan spinner was never given due credit for his performances and that he was constantly humiliated by his teammates. "In my career, I fought with two people in the team when they started talking on regionalism. Things like 'who is from Karachi, Punjab or Peshawar', that used to infuriate me," Shoaib said during the show. "So what if someone is a Hindu, he is doing well for the team. The same Hindu won the Test for us against England. If he is taking a bagful of wickets for Pakistan, he should play. We could not have won the series without Kaneria's effort but not many gave him credit for that," the former Pakistan pace bowler added. Kaneria played in 61 Test matches for the country but was later banned by the ICC for his alleged role in spot-fixing. Danish Kaneria is fourth on the list of bowlers with most Test wickets for Pakistan behind other fast bowling legends Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Imran Khan, the current prime minister of the country.

Danish Kaneria was mistreated in Pakistan team for being a Hindu, alleges Shoaib Akhtar

Former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has admitted his role in a spot-fixing case involving former Essex teammate Mervyn Westfield on Thursday, more than six years after he was banned by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Westfield was jailed for four months after pleading guilty to accepting a payment to concede a set number of runs off an over in a 40-overs English county match against Durham in 2009.

Kaneria, who had repeatedly denied any involvement in trying to engineer particular situations in a game, was banned for life by the ECB in June 2012 for "cajoling and pressurising" Westfield into accepting money.

"My name is Danish Kaneria and I admit that I was guilty of the two charges brought against me by the England and Wales Cricket Board in 2012," the 37-year-old told Al Jazeera.&nbsp;

"I have become strong enough to make this decision, because you cannot live a life with lies."

Kaneria remains Pakistan`s most successful spinner with 261 wickets in 61 tests.&nbsp;

He last played for Pakistan against England at Trent Bridge Test in 2010, and has not appeared in any first-class game since March 2012.

"I want to apologise to Mervyn Westfield, my Essex team-mates, my Essex cricket club, my Essex cricket fans. I say sorry to Pakistan," Kaneria added.

"If the ECB and ICC (The International Cricket Council) and other bodies would give me a second chance I can help to educate young people in cricket, teach them that if you do wrong you are finished like me."

Former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has admitted his role in a spot-fixing case involving former Essex teammate Mervyn Westfield on Thursday, more than six years after he was banned by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has admitted his role in a spot-fixing case involving former Essex teammate Mervyn Westfield on Thursday, more than six years after he was banned by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Westfield was jailed for four months after pleading guilty to accepting a payment to concede a set number of runs off an over in a 40-overs English county match against Durham in 2009. Kaneria, who had repeatedly denied any involvement in trying to engineer particular situations in a game, was banned for life by the ECB in June 2012 for "cajoling and pressurising" Westfield into accepting money. "My name is Danish Kaneria and I admit that I was guilty of the two charges brought against me by the England and Wales Cricket Board in 2012," the 37-year-old told Al Jazeera. "I have become strong enough to make this decision, because you cannot live a life with lies." Kaneria remains Pakistan`s most successful spinner with 261 wickets in 61 tests. He last played for Pakistan against England at Trent Bridge Test in 2010, and has not appeared in any first-class game since March 2012. "I want to apologise to Mervyn Westfield, my Essex team-mates, my Essex cricket club, my Essex cricket fans. I say sorry to Pakistan," Kaneria added. "If the ECB and ICC (The International Cricket Council) and other bodies would give me a second chance I can help to educate young people in cricket, teach them that if you do wrong you are finished like me."

Ex-Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria admits role in Westfield spot-fixing case

Banned Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria Thursday said he finally confessed to spot-fixing after years of denial to get closure for his mistakes and sought forgiveness from the country's "shocked" cricket community.

"I just want the cricket board, my fans and the Pakistani people to understand my situation and forgive me. I made a grave mistake in associating with a bookmaker(Anu Bhatt) and not reporting it to the concerned authorities and I have paid the price for it," Kaneria told PTI.

"I am gutted at the moment because it is not easy to come out like this after basically lying for six years. I had to do it now because it was a burden on me and I just couldn't take the stigma of being called a spot-fixer any longer and denying it," Kaneria said.

Kaneria, who will turn 38 in December and who took 261 wickets in 61 Tests, said he wanted to rebuild his life and hoped the cricket authorities would accept his apology and show compassion.

"What I did was very wrong...I hope the people forgive me," he said.&nbsp;

"My accounts have been checked in this case and they can be checked again. My mistake was getting close to this guy, (alleged match-fixer) Anu Bhatt who became like a family friend to us after he came to Pakistan and we went to India in 2005/06. He virtually started blackmailing me," he added.&nbsp;

Kaneria is serving a life ban since 2012 for indulging in spot-fixing in English county matches. The ban was imposed on him by the English Cricket Board.

"I can give back to the game by telling all young players don't get involved in these things and stay away from people like Anu Bhatt," he asserted.

But Pakistan's cricket community was left "shocked and betrayed".

"I am gutted because in the early days when Danish's case came up. I met with the Pakistan Cricket Board officials with his case documents to convince them that he (Kaneria) should be heard by the PCB. I believed he was innocent," Pakistan's former Test captain Rashid Latif said.

Latif said Kaneria's confession was a big let-down for the Pakistan cricket community.

"...You can't help feel being betrayed by him," Latif said.

Former leg-spinner Abdul Qadir said Kaneria's confession was a big blow to the image of Pakistan cricket.

"God knows what these players think about. We get publicity for all the wrong reasons, spot-fixing and doping cases. I am really sad today to hear about Kaneria's confession after he lied to all of us for six years," Qadir said.

Former Test opener, chief selector and national team coach Mohsin Khan said he felt let down but was also sympathetic.

"But I also think Kaneria has done the right thing now even after six years. I think his conscience was bothering him. He is already serving a life ban since 2012.

"Perhaps the authorities can talk to him and try to reduce his ban because worst has happened in Pakistan cricket," he said.&nbsp;

The ECB banned the leg-spinner for life and also sent his Essex teammate, Mervyn Westfield to jail for his involvement in the matter.

Kaneria played his last Test on the tour of England in 2010 after which the PCB withdrew him from the squad when it was reported that the English Cricket Board was investigating the leg-spinner for fixing in county matches.

It was on the 2010 tour of England that Pakistan's then captain Salman Butt and pace bowlers, Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Aamir were also found involved in spot-fixing and later banned for five-years each.

The trio completed there bans in 2016 and are back playing cricket. While Aamir has made a comeback to the Pakistan team, Butt and Asif are playing regular domestic cricket.

Last year the PCB also launched an investigation into spot-fixing in the Pakistan Super League and as a result of the inquiries, batsmen, Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif, Shahzaib Hasan and Nasir Jamshed were banned for differing periods.

Banned Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria Thursday said he finally confessed to spot-fixing after years of denial to get closure for his mistakes and sought forgiveness from the country's "shocked" cricket community.

Banned Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria Thursday said he finally confessed to spot-fixing after years of denial to get closure for his mistakes and sought forgiveness from the country's "shocked" cricket community. "I just want the cricket board, my fans and the Pakistani people to understand my situation and forgive me. I made a grave mistake in associating with a bookmaker(Anu Bhatt) and not reporting it to the concerned authorities and I have paid the price for it," Kaneria told PTI. "I am gutted at the moment because it is not easy to come out like this after basically lying for six years. I had to do it now because it was a burden on me and I just couldn't take the stigma of being called a spot-fixer any longer and denying it," Kaneria said. Kaneria, who will turn 38 in December and who took 261 wickets in 61 Tests, said he wanted to rebuild his life and hoped the cricket authorities would accept his apology and show compassion. "What I did was very wrong...I hope the people forgive me," he said. "My accounts have been checked in this case and they can be checked again. My mistake was getting close to this guy, (alleged match-fixer) Anu Bhatt who became like a family friend to us after he came to Pakistan and we went to India in 2005/06. He virtually started blackmailing me," he added. Kaneria is serving a life ban since 2012 for indulging in spot-fixing in English county matches. The ban was imposed on him by the English Cricket Board. "I can give back to the game by telling all young players don't get involved in these things and stay away from people like Anu Bhatt," he asserted. But Pakistan's cricket community was left "shocked and betrayed". "I am gutted because in the early days when Danish's case came up. I met with the Pakistan Cricket Board officials with his case documents to convince them that he (Kaneria) should be heard by the PCB. I believed he was innocent," Pakistan's former Test captain Rashid Latif said. Latif said Kaneria's confession was a big let-down for the Pakistan cricket community. "...You can't help feel being betrayed by him," Latif said. Former leg-spinner Abdul Qadir said Kaneria's confession was a big blow to the image of Pakistan cricket. "God knows what these players think about. We get publicity for all the wrong reasons, spot-fixing and doping cases. I am really sad today to hear about Kaneria's confession after he lied to all of us for six years," Qadir said. Former Test opener, chief selector and national team coach Mohsin Khan said he felt let down but was also sympathetic. "But I also think Kaneria has done the right thing now even after six years. I think his conscience was bothering him. He is already serving a life ban since 2012. "Perhaps the authorities can talk to him and try to reduce his ban because worst has happened in Pakistan cricket," he said. The ECB banned the leg-spinner for life and also sent his Essex teammate, Mervyn Westfield to jail for his involvement in the matter. Kaneria played his last Test on the tour of England in 2010 after which the PCB withdrew him from the squad when it was reported that the English Cricket Board was investigating the leg-spinner for fixing in county matches. It was on the 2010 tour of England that Pakistan's then captain Salman Butt and pace bowlers, Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Aamir were also found involved in spot-fixing and later banned for five-years each. The trio completed there bans in 2016 and are back playing cricket. While Aamir has made a comeback to the Pakistan team, Butt and Asif are playing regular domestic cricket. Last year the PCB also launched an investigation into spot-fixing in the Pakistan Super League and as a result of the inquiries, batsmen, Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif, Shahzaib Hasan and Nasir Jamshed were banned for differing periods.

'I made a mistake, forgive me': Danish Kaneria on Westfield spot-fixing case

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