Danish Kaneria last played for Pakistan in the first Test against Australia on the 2010 tour of England. – File photo by AP
Danish Kaneria last played for Pakistan in the first Test against Australia on the 2010 tour of England. – File photo by AP

KARACHI: Former Test bowler Danish Kaneria is unlikely to be allowed to resume his career in Pakistan after being banned for life by the England and Wales Cricket Board, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Saturday.

Kaneria was banned for life from any involvement in cricket under the jurisdiction of the ECB earlier this month after being found guilty of corruption while playing for county side Essex.

“We have an obligation to the ICC anti-corruption code which states clearly that member countries must also implement decisions relating to corruption against any player in their jurisdictions,” PCB chief operating officer, Subhan Ahmed told Reuters.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) at its executive board meeting urged all member countries for a worldwide ban on Kaneria.

“It is highly unlikely he will be allowed to play now even if he appeals the decision,” Ahmed said.

Kaneria, who has played 61 Tests and taken 261 wickets for Pakistan, has said he is innocent and will appeal the life ban.

The 31-year-old was found guilty by the ECB of encouraging or attempting to encourage Essex team mate Mervyn Westfield to underperform in a match in 2009.

Kaneria was named in a London court in February as a go-between in a spot-fixing scandal that resulted in Westfield going to jail for four months.

Three other Pakistani players, former captain Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were jailed last year for their part in a separate spot-fixing scandal during the fourth Test against England at Lords in 2010.

The trio were also given minimum five-year bans by the ICC.

Opinion

Editorial

Budget presser
Updated 14 Jun, 2026

Budget presser

If the FBR falters, the government will find itself in hot water sooner rather than later.
Muharram precautions
14 Jun, 2026

Muharram precautions

WITH Muharram due to start next week, the authorities have already begun annual exercises to ensure that the ...
Blood bequests
14 Jun, 2026

Blood bequests

WORLD Blood Donor Day offers a moment of “gratitude, advocacy and renewed commitment” for thalassaemia patients...
Sustainable path?
Updated 13 Jun, 2026

Sustainable path?

The FY27 budget is the first clear signal that the government is ready to transition from stabilisation to growth.
Prioritising education
13 Jun, 2026

Prioritising education

THOUGH the improvement in the country’s literacy rate may be slight, as highlighted by the Economic Survey, it ...
Poverty’s rise
13 Jun, 2026

Poverty’s rise

AS attention turns to the government’s plans for the coming fiscal year, one set of figures deserves particular...