KARACHI: Pakistan’s ex-cricket captain Shoaib Malik said on Tuesday he was proud his Indian wife Sania Mirza had become the world’s top-ranked doubles tennis player, adding it was an honour for both countries.

Sania, 28, became the first Indian woman to achieve the feat after winning the Charleston title on Sunday while partnering with Swiss star Martina Hingis.

Read: Sania Mirza toast of India after becoming World No.1

“I am extremely proud and overwhelmed with joy,” Malik said. “It’s a matter of pride for Pakistan as she is my wife and, of course, she is from India and she represents her nation with 100 per cent determination to be the best.”

The celebrity couple, who wed in a series of lavish ceremonies across both countries in 2010, have been called South Asia’s answer to “Posh and Becks” — former English footballer David Beckham and his popstar wife Victoria.

Malik, who has been out of the Pakistan team for a year despite success at the domestic level, said Sania’s victory would prove an inspiration for young fans.

“It’s also a victory for all tennis players and tennis fans in India and Pakistan on what is possible with hard work at a global level,” he said.

Malik said he had celebrated with his family after watching the match from his hometown of Sialkot in Pakistan before calling his in-laws in India to congratulate them.

“I loved tennis before I married Sania, but now my heart is really in it. I watch her matches, and also those of her rivals to keep up to date. Also since most of the time she is playing I’m not with her, I watch also because I miss her a lot.”

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2015

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