Former Pakistani Cricketer Danish Kaneria Supports Indian Govt’s Citizenship Law For Persecuted Minorities
Former Pakistani Cricketer Danish Kaneria Supports Indian Govt's Citizenship Law For Persecuted Minorities
Former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria has expressed his backing for India’s move to enact the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). This law aims to grant citizenship to people of certain religions facing persecution in nearby countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Even though the rules specify refugees who arrived in India before 2015, Kaneria sees it as a positive step for Pakistani Hindus.
“Pakistani Hindus will now be able to breathe in open air #CAA,” Kaneria stated in a post on X, previously known as Twitter. He also extended gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for implementing the CAA.
Kaneria, a leg-spinner and the second Hindu cricketer to represent Pakistan after his cousin Anil Dalpat has been a staunch supporter of India’s decision to introduce the CAA.
The CAA, introduced by the Union Home Ministry, allows persecuted minorities from neighbouring countries to apply for Indian citizenship if they arrived before 2015. An official from the Ministry of Home Affairs mentioned, “Those qualifying for citizenship under CAA will need to submit applications online through a designated web portal.”
The Citizenship Amendment Act was a significant aspect of the BJP’s 2019 Lok Sabha election manifesto. It primarily benefits non-Muslim communities such as Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and Parsis who fled religious persecution in neighbouring nations and arrived in India before December 31, 2014.
During his international cricket career from 2000 to 2010, Kaneria represented Pakistan in 61 Test matches, claiming 261 wickets. He also played 18 ODIs, taking 15 wickets, and showcased his talent in 206 First-Class matches, capturing 1,023 victims, including 71 five-wicket hauls and 12 instances of ten-wicket hauls.
