Danish Kaneria claims PCB officials knew the bookie involved in English county scandal

After claiming that he was discriminated in the Pakistan team for being a part of the minority group, former leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has come out with another massive claim that that the bookie, who was an integral part of the 2012 spot-fixing controversy in English county cricket, was known to each and every member of the Pakistan cricket team.

In a video posted on his official YouTube channel, the 39-year-old former cricketer revealed that bookie frequently visited the nation and even had permission from the country’s cricketing body, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Kaneria further added that his story has always been portrayed from the wrong angle and has always played the game with honesty.

“The entire Pakistan team knew that person and so did the officials. That person kept on coming to Pakistan on official tours. He was invited by the PCB. I never knew that person personally. I was introduced to him by stating that both of us belong to the same religion,” Kaneria said in the video.

Later in the video, he also suggested that the allegations that were put on him were on the basis of what he did in the county games in England and not something while representing the country. Kaneria did not hold back in saying that a lot of players who “sold” the country for some amount of money and went to jail, were welcomed back into the side but no is even trying to listen to him.

“I accepted all the charges that were put against me, but I did not sell my country. Some players earned a lot of money but putting a black spot on the country’s name and still, they were welcomed back into the team with open hands,” added Kaneria.

The bowler also claimed that the officials of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also knew the spot-fixer.

After six years of denial, in 2018, Kaneria admitted that he played a role in a fixing scandal that led to the imprisonment of former Essex team-mate Mervyn Westfield.

“I want to apologize to Mervyn Westfield, my Essex team-mates, my Essex cricket club, my Essex cricket fans. I say sorry to Pakistan,” Kaneria said at that time.