Sania mirza to marry Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik

After Hyderabad marriage, sania and shoaib will live in dubai

In her biggest move yet, India’s tennis ace Sania Mirza is set to marry former Pakistani cricket captain Shoaib Malik at a private ceremony in Hyderabad early April.

Any alliance between superstar celebrities is a subject of interest; but this marriage, with its complex political angle, is bound to garner intense attention.

Sania will continue to play competitive tennis and continue to represent India, while her prospective groom will hold his end of the bargain for Pakistan. The couple will be based in Dubai. The alliance has been blessed by both families.

“This is the biggest day of my life. I have been in the media glare for too long, and would appreciate a little privacy at this very personal moment in my life,’’ Sania, 23, told The Times of India.

Shoaib, 28, has pledged Sania his support: “I fully understand what it takes to be an int e r n at i o n a l sportsperson. I’ll support Sania as long as she wishes to play. Representing India at the 2012 Olympics is very important for her, and I will be the proudest husband if she can win a medal for her country.’’

Sania, whose much-publicized engagement to Mohammed Sohrab was called off earlier this year, met Shoaib in Dubai in February while she was playing a tournament there. They liked each other. The families took things forward and planned the alliance.

Sania’s mother, Nasima said: “Marriages are made in heaven. As parents, we are delighted with her choice.’’ Her father Imran, who has coached and managed her through her career, said: “This is a unique case where the husband and wife will represent their respective countries in sport.’’

A busy year up ahead for Sania


Tennis sensation Sania Mirza is set to marry Pak cricketer Shoaib Malik in Hyderabad.

A busy year awaits the tennis star as she ties the knot in April in Hyderabad. Ranked No. 27 in the world, Sania Mirza’s rating has plummeted after a wrist injury saw her take a break from competition.

Her treatment and rehabilitation drills continue. She will probably test her wrist in competition later in the summer, but is targeting a return for later in the year.

“I hope to be fully fit to represent India in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games that are scheduled for later this year,’’ Sania said.

Shoaib, however, can’t play for one year for Pakistan as he faces a ban imposed by the national Cricket Board for breaching the code of conduct.

Although no reason was given, Pakistani media speculated he may have been involved in match-fixing.

It may be recalled that Shoaib was involved in a marriage dispute with another Indian national, Ayesha Siddiqui, with whom he reportedly exchanged marriage vows with over the telephone in 2002.

Shoaib, however, has denied the marriage, indicating he had been cheated in the relationship, which was mostly carried out over the internet. Sania’s family has downplayed the issue and made no comment on it.