Tennis player Sania Mirza, 23, last week announced plans to marry Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, 28. The couple is set to marry on April 15 in Hyderabad, which will be followed by a reception in Lahore.
Though some believe the cross-border match will help to improve India-Pakistan ties, Mirza has said she is not making any political statement by marrying Malik.
The announcement has evoked mixed responses in both India and Pakistan. Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray has criticised Mirza for her decision to marry the Pakistani cricketer, alleging that “for Shoaib, India is an enemy, not only in the sports arena, but also on the battlefield.” Similarly, right-wing outfit Sri Rama Sene has said Mirza should not be allowed to play for India after her marriage to Malik. Pakistan Tennis Federation chief Dilawar Abbas has said he expects Mirza to follow tradition and represent her husband’s country.
But in a letter to the All-India Tennis Association, Mirza and her parents have confirmed that she will continue to play for India after marriage. She will be part of the Indian team for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October, the XVI Asian Games in China in November, the 2011 Fed Cup in February next, and the Olympics in London in July-August 2012.
Do you think too much is being made of the marriage of Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik? Do you think the decision to play for India or Pakistan should be left to Mirza alone?
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