Former Pakistani spinner Danish Kaneria on Saturday dismissed speculation that he plans to apply for Indian citizenship but called the country his “matrabhoomi”. Kaneria said his recent remarks on India’s internal matters were not politically motivated.

In a post on X, Kaneria said he felt compelled to “set the record straight” after being questioned about his frequent praise of India and criticism of Pakistan’s policies. “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,” he wrote.

‘Janambhoomi’ and ‘matrabhoomi’

The 44-year-old, who played for Pakistan between 2000 and 2010, said that while Pakistan remained his janmabhoomi (birthplace), India was his matrubhumi (land of his ancestors). “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,” he further wrote, referring to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

The CAA allows non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who fled persecution to apply for Indian citizenship.

Kaneria, one of only a few Hindu players to represent Pakistan, has previously spoken about facing discrimination during his career. “Those who claim that my words or actions are driven by the desire for citizenship are completely wrong. I will continue to stand for dharma and to expose the anti-nationals and pseudo-secularists who are damaging our ethos and attempting to divide our society,” the cricketer wrote.

Kaneria’s remarks on RSS

The former spinner has recently attracted attention for his supportive comments about India’s ruling establishment and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). “I’ve seen their work across the globe: helping communities, supporting the needy, empowering youth. No caste, no religion, no boundaries, just service. I salute every volunteer carrying this mission forward,” his October 2 post on X read.