Pakistan star Kaneria stunned by corruption probe
Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria said Saturday he was “surprised
and shocked” to see his name linked with a corruption probe launched by
English police.
The Sun newspaper in Britain claimed that the 29-year-old was one of
two Essex players being investigated for allegations of “match
irregularities”.
“Kaneria and another Essex player are to be probed following
incidents in one-day matches last summer,” the Sun reported on Saturday.
But Kaneria insisted the allegations were baseless.
“I woke up to the shocking news on Saturday,” Kaneria told AFP. “The
story in the newspaper is baseless. I have played my cricket for
Pakistan as well as for Essex, with pride and honesty.”
Kaneria said he had delayed his return to Essex to feature in a
domestic one-day tournament in Pakistan.
“I told the Essex administration that I would play in a domestic
event, so I would not be able to reach there on April 7,” said Kaneria.
“I try my best for the county and played my role in helping the
county return to Division One (of the county championship). For the last
two years I have been Essex’s best performer and have never done
anything wrong.”
Kaneria said he is ready to undergo any investigation.“No one from
Essex has contacted me, but I will be ready to undergo any
investigation. I will also take legal advice on such baseless reports.”
The leg-spinner has taken 254 wickets in 58 Tests since making his
debut against England in 2000. KARACHI, April 10, 2010 AFP |