Indian tennis star Sania Mirza's family confirmed on Sunday (January 21) that she and Shoaib Malik have separated. The confirmation comes a day after the Pakistani cricketer announced his wedding with actor Sana Javed. Sania and Shoaib's separation marks the end of what had been a much talked about marriage, intruguing sports fans from both India and Pakistan.
Malik posted his wedding picture with Sana on his social media platforms on Saturday (January 20), ending all speculation regarding his separation with Sania
"Sania has always kept her personal life away from the public eye. However, today the need has arisen for her to share that Shoaib and she have been divorced for a few months now. She wishes Shoaib well for his new journey ahead!," read an official statement issued by Mirza's family.
"At this sensitive period of her life, we would like to request all fans and well-wishers to refrain from indulging in any speculation and to respect her need for privacy," the statement added.
Sania Mirza, Shoaib Malik Got Married In 2010
It is pertinent to note that Malik and Sania had got married in 2010. While there were reports of rift and strained relationship between the two, nothing was ever officially communicated from the either parties. However, the rumours re-emerged when Malik unfollowed Mirza on social media platform Instagram.
Malik and Sania are parents to a five-year-old son Izhaan who is living with his mother. In a recent Instagram story, Mirza had written how everything in life is hard and talked about choosing one's hardships, perhaps indicating to her personal life concerns.
"Marriage is hard, Divorce is hard. Choose your hard. Obesity is hard. Being fit is hard, Choose your hard. being in debt is hard. Being financially disciplined is hard. Choose your hard," she had posted in an instagram story.
"Communication is hard. No communicating is hard. Life will never be easy. I will always be hard. But we can choose our hard. Pick wisely," her post further read.
(With Inputs From PTI)