Shoaib was all praise for Sania’s US Open mixed doubles win
Hobart Hurricanes' Shoaib Malik during a practice session on Saturday. (Photo: P. Surendra)
Hyderabad: Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik may have been born in Sialkot but shares a special bond with Hyderabad, Deccan that is, home for his wife, Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza. In the city as part of the Hobart Hurricanes team that is playing the Champions League, Shoaib dined with his father-in-law Imran at the Mirza residence along with a few friends from the Pakistan team on Friday night.
He was back at training on Saturday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, a significant venue. “It is a great feeling to play in Hyderabad. This city is very special to me. I will be very happy if we win tomorrow,” he said ahead of their game against Cape Cobras. Sadly, he cannot meet Sania, who is in Tokyo on the tennis circuit. Such is the life of sportspersons.
“We got married five years ago. I am here for the Champions League and she is playing in Japan,” he said rather remorsefully. Shoaib was all praise for Sania’s recent US Open mixed doubles win. “That was a great show. Me and my family always pray for her. In fact, everyone in Pakistan and India pray for her,” he said.
Shoaib’s Pakistan teammate Mohammed Hafeez too was happy. “It is always great to meet friends here. Shoaib Malik is the son-in-law of Hyderabad. He has invited us for dinner,” beamed Hafeez, who is captaining the Lahore Lions side. Currently out of favour, Shoaib also said he was keen on playing next year’s one-day international World Cup. “I want to play for Pakistan in the World Cup. I would want clarity from the Pakistan board,” he said.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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