Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), lauding it as a beacon of hope for persecuted minorities, particularly Hindus, in neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
In a recent statement posted on X, Kaneria commended India’s move to grant citizenship to individuals belonging to certain religions facing persecution, highlighting the significance of the CAA in providing relief to Pakistani Hindus. He expressed gratitude towards Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their efforts in implementing the law.
Kaneria, known for his prowess as a leg-spinner and as the second Hindu cricketer to represent Pakistan after his cousin Anil Dalpat, has been vocal in his support for India’s decision to enact the CAA.
The Citizenship Amendment Act, introduced by the Union Home Ministry, offers persecuted minorities from neighbouring countries the opportunity to seek Indian citizenship if they entered the country before 2015. An official from the Ministry of Home Affairs emphasized that eligible individuals must submit their citizenship applications online through a designated web portal.
Enshrined in the BJP’s 2019 Lok Sabha election manifesto, the CAA primarily extends benefits to non-Muslim communities, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and Parsis, who fled religious persecution in neighbouring nations and arrived in India before December 31, 2014.
During his illustrious international cricket career spanning from 2000 to 2010, Kaneria represented Pakistan in 61 Test matches, claiming 261 wickets. He also featured in 18 ODIs, securing 15 wickets, and showcased his talent in 206 First-Class matches, amassing a total of 1,023 victims, including numerous five-wicket and ten-wicket hauls.
