Tainted ex Pakistan Test captain Salman Butt has expressed surprise at his one time team-mate Danish Kaneria's claim that he was humiliated for being a Hindu player after former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar raked up the controversy.
"I am surprised by Kaneria's comments. Because I was in the team from 2003 to 2010 and played a lot of matches with Kaneria and not once did I ever see anyone disrespecting or harassing him for being a Hindu," Butt said.
Last month, Akhtar sparked a furore when he said that Kaneria was humiliated by some players because he was a Hindu, was not given due credit and some even refused to eat food with him because of his faith.
Kaneria admitted that there were a "few players" who targetted him for being a Hindu during his time with the national team but he never felt the urge or the pressure to change his religion.
Butt, who served a five-year ban for spot-fixing, said every effort was made to ensure Kaneria had full freedom as his playing for Pakistan painted a very good image of Pakistan cricket.
"Kaneria being the only Hindu player in the side was a big plus for Pakistan cricket and in fact I know for a fact that the captains made a point to ensure that Kaneria was made to feel comfortable in the team," he said.
Butt said he never saw Kaneria feeling uncomfortable or upset over anything.
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"No doubt, he is a top bowler and served us well, winning us many matches. But I was surprised when he seconded Shoaib Akhtar's comments on him being ill-treated in the team and did not deny them," said the former Test opener.
"If anything I would ask Shoaib and Danish to both name those players who they claim mistreated Danish," Butt said.
Pakistan's former manager and coach Haroon Rasheed also denied that Kaneria was ill-treated in the team because he was a Hindu.
"Nothing of that sort happened and I always ensured that religion was never made an issue in the team. Everyone was equal and treated fairly."