GUJRANWALA: Ending speculations surrounding his marriage with an Indian national, Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali on Friday said that he is tying the knot with Shamia Arzoo in Dubai on Aug 20.

Shamia holds a degree in aeronautics from the Manav Rachna University and has also studied in England.

The Dubai-based woman is a flight engineer with Emirates Airlines, while her family members are settled in New Delhi.

“Our families wanted to keep this a low-key affair but since the matter has come out in the media I have decided to make an official announcement to ensure they are no speculations surrounding my marriage,” Hasan told a news conference in his hometown, Gujranwala, where Shamia will reside after the marriage.

“Our Nikah will be solemnised on Aug 20 while the Rukhsati will take place three months later and we plan to stay in Gujrwanwala after the marriage,” right-armer Hasan said.

Hasan said he had met with Shamia one year ago in Dubai and their friendship had grown since that meeting.

Hasan is the fourth Pakistani cricketer to get hitched with an Indian girl, after Zaheer Abbas, Mohsin Khan and Shoaib Malik. Malik married Indian tennis star Sania Mirza in April 2010 and the couple have a son. Former captain Zaheer Abbas was the first Pakistani player to marry an Indian woman.

Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2019