Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has said 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 Agence-France Presse. “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.
“Noone 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. — AFP