Cricket: Kaneria hits back at fixing allegations

Performance in Zebras’ match against Panthers to be looked into.

KARACHI: Danish Kaneria’s effort to clear his name of wrongdoings was dealt another blow after the leg-spinner and Karachi Zebras’ captain in the recently concluded Super Eight T20 Cup, Hasan Raza, came under suspicion for throwing their must-win match against the Peshawar Panthers.

Panthers won the match by 31 runs and progressed at the expense of the Zebras on better run-rate.

Kaneria limped off the field after bowling just four balls – where he conceded 11 runs – after experiencing a side strain. Raza, meanwhile, was dismissed for just one and went into the dressing room instead of sitting in the dug-out with the rest of the team.

Kaneria, however, has hit back at claims that the Karachi City Cricket Association (KCCA) will be reviewing the players’ performance in that match.

“Firstly, the KCCA should be questioned as to why I was removed from captaincy despite leading the team well,” said Kaneria. “Secondly, if the team has not done well, then the captain, coach and manager should be asked about it. I’ve always given my 100% while playing for Karachi and it really hurts when senior KCCA officials doubt my commitment.”

Kaneria added that he was already fighting allegations of spot-fixing and this was making it all the more difficult for him to clear his name. “I’ve even submitted reports of my injury and those doubting it should ask the physio and the doctor about its legitimacy.”

KCCA to watch footage again

Meanwhile, a senior KCCA official confirmed that the association will review video footage of the match before reaching any conclusion. “We’ll make sure that this case is thoroughly investigated,” said the official. “We don’t want to destroy anyone’s career but if we find any wrongdoings, those involved with be dealt with severely.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 11^th, 2012.