Kaneria turns down ICL approach

Danish Kaneria has turned down the chance to play in the Indian Cricket League. Kaneria, who is currently playing for Essex, said that he rejected the approach as his priority was to Pakistan and that "money is not everything". He also called on the selectors to give him a place in the one-day side.

In an interview which will appear on the Essex CCC website, he said: "There was an offer to me to play in the Indian Cricket League but my country always comes first to me. I always want to give 110% to my country so don't want to be playing in another league.

"There are three teams I want to play for - firstly my country, then Essex and my department, Habib Bank. They are three major teams who look after me so I try my level best to give to them.

"International cricket is something different to domestic cricket so I want to stick with that. Money is not everything. I want to get my name where Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne is. I want to achieve something in my life.

"I would love to be in the one-day team and I don't know why the selectors and captain don't have confidence in me. They should do because I've bowled well in the county game [with Essex] which has a high level in the one-day cricket.

"Leg-spinners play a vital role in any one-day team such as India who have been putting Piyush Chawla up against the England batting line-up. I would love to play but it depends on the management, the selectors and captain. They should have faith in me in all forms of cricket."

Kaneria's next international commitments are in October, with the Test series against South Africa in Pakistan. In the meantime, he has been confirmed by Essex as their one overseas player next year.