Playing for England? I am a Pakistani

London: Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has averred that he never told anyone that he would consider playing for England if Pakistan continues to ignore him and rather said he still wanted to play for his country.

"I didn't say that I wanted to stay over here and qualify to play for England. I still want to play for Pakistan," Kaneria told the official website of Essex.

Kaneria was quoted as saying by Colchester Gazette that if Pakistan will not pick him he would consider playing for England at one stage.

However, the leg-spinner said he would seek a place in the British side only if Pakistan ignore him continuously for a long period.

"If Pakistan didn't select me for three or four years in a row, only then would I consider coming here permanently. My priority is with Pakistan for as long as they need me in Test cricket.

"In fact, I am always there for them in any form of the game - Pakistan has given me the name to be playing cricket in England," he said.

Kaneria, who is a contracted player with Essex, does not figure in the preliminary 30-player Pakistan squad for the Champions Trophy, to be hosted by Pakistan in September.

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