The Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) removed former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria’s photo from the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur due to rising India-Pakistan tensions. This followed Kaneria’s criticism of Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif for not condemning the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which killed 26 tourists.
RCA Removes Danish Kaneria’s Photo Amid Rising Tensions
Kaneria, known for both his cricket skills and controversies, played 18 ODIs from 2001 to 2007, taking 15 wickets. He had a more successful Test career, debuting in 2000 and claiming 261 wickets in 61 matches. His last international game was in 2010. He never played a T20I for Pakistan.
Tensions between India and Pakistan rose sharply after India launched Operation Sindoor in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians-25 Indians and one Nepali.
India’s Counteroffensive and Pakistan’s Retaliation
On May 7, Indian forces struck nine major terror hubs in Pakistan’s Punjab province and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), reportedly killing over 100 terrorists and destroying infrastructure used for cross-border attacks.
In retaliation, Pakistan tried to strike Indian military bases, but India’s air defence systems intercepted the attacks. India then hit back, destroying several Pakistani military sites. Both countries agreed to stop further military actions and de-escalate the situation on May 10.
Danish Kaneria has opened up about facing religious discrimination while playing for the Pakistan cricket team. He said that former captain Shahid Afridi often pressured him to convert to Islam. Despite this, Kaneria appreciated the support he received from another former captain, Inzamam-ul-Haq.
He also mentioned that Shoaib Akhtar treated him with respect. Danish Kaneria said the constant bias he faced because of his religion had a deep impact on him.
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“I was doing well in my career and playing county cricket too. Inzamam-ul-Haq supported me the most-he was the only captain who did. Shoaib Akhtar also showed respect. But Shahid Afridi and several others treated me badly and wouldn’t even eat with me. Afridi kept telling me to convert to Islam many times. Inzamam never spoke to me like that,” Kaneria told ANI.
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