Latif slams Pakistan for Kaneria 'murder'

Former captain Rashid Latif on Sunday accused Pakistan's cricket chiefs of "murdering" leg-spinner Danish Kaneria by refusing to let him play despite being cleared of a spot-fixing allegation in Britain.

The 31-year-old and fellow Essex bowler Mervyn Westfield were arrested last year on claims of spot-fixing during a Pro40 one-day match against Durham in 2009.

Kaneria was later released without being charged but Westfield faces criminal proceedings.

Kaneria appeared before an integrity committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in August but was not cleared. He then filed a petition in court in a bid to force the PCB to allow him to play again for his country.

"All around the cricketing world they preserve their players, however in Pakistan the ideology is just the opposite as the PCB is destroying Kaneria's career," said Latif, adding he was "amazed" at Kaneria's treatment.

"He is the most successful spinner of the country, hence should be treated with respect," said Latif.

"I would say it's an economical murder of a player who has served the country very well and is still eager to continue."

Sindh High Court last week directed the PCB to bring the transcript of the police investigation against Kaneria to court before it could make a decision.

Kaneria, who has taken 261 wickets in 61 Tests - the most by any Pakistani spinner - is allowed to play in domestic events only.