Kaneria frustrated over delay in court hearing

Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria says courts are frustrating all his attempts to get back to international cricket by delaying hearings in the spot-fixing case.

The Sindh High Court will October 20 hear his appeal against the Pakistan Cricket Board refusing to clear him of fixing allegations.

Kaneria was arrested along with his Essex teammate Mervyn Westfield last year on charges of spot-fixing during a Pro40 one-day match against Durham in 2009.

Kaneria, who was later released without charge, said he was discharged as there was no proof against him, though fellow-bowler Westfield is facing criminal proceedings, a report in Pak Tribune said.

Yet, the PCB has not cleared the legspinner for Pakistan selection, stating that it needs full details of the case from the British authorities.

"I am frustrated the delay has kept me out of the national team and I can't understand why the PCB is dragging the case," said Karachi-based Kaneria.

"It's mental torture. Is it because I am from Karachi or has it to do anything with my religion," Kaneria was quoted as saying in the Pakistan media.

Kaneria, however, is allowed to play domestic cricket and he is now leading a Karachi side in the ongoing Twenty20 tournament here.