Pakistan’s exiled Test leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has promised to contest the move by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) which aims to collect around 250,000 pounds from him, Times of India reported on Thursday.
“I have read that the ECB has filed a petition through a local lawyer, Khawaja Naveed in the Sindh High Court in Karachi, in which they want the court to order me to pay them costs for the spot fixing hearings,” said Kaneria told Press Trust of India.
“Until now I have received no formal notice from them or their lawyer but when it comes I will consult my lawyers. But I will fight this also to the end,” he added.
Kaneria who has played 61 Tests, was banned for life in June 2012 by the ECB on the charge of spot fixing in county cricket while playing for Essex.
The bowler filed an appeal with the appeals tribunal of the ECB and then later an appeal with a commercial court in London against the life ban. However, the leg spinner’s appeals were denied.
“The ECB has appointed me to represent them in this case and since Kaneria is a Pakistani citizen, residing in Karachi, they want the court to order him to pay the costs and fines incurred during the case,” said the lawyer Naveed.
“In the petition I have filed on behalf of ECB, they have demanded a payment of 249,000 pounds,” Naveed said.
The practiced lawyer said that if ECB’s petition won, then Kaneria would have to pay the fine. And if he was unable to produce the money, then the court can order his property and assets to be sold off to pay the fines and costs.
Kaneria, only the second Hindu to have played for Pakistan, said that he was in a financial crisis because of which he had delayed filing an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sports in Geneva, which was his last resort.
“I am not earning a single paisa since the life ban as I have no links with cricket and my domestic team Habib bank have also terminated my services,” said Kaneria.
He believes that he has not been treated fairly and he would consult his lawyers regarding his next move.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has also refused to come to the aide of Kaneria, insisting that he had committed an illegality on foreign land and was banned by the ECB.
Under ICC laws the life ban imposed by ECB is also applicable by all other boards on Kaneria, including Pakistan.
