Cricket is a sport that crosses boundaries and brings people from many countries and
backgrounds together. Some of Pakistan’s most famous cricketers have found love across
the border or abroad, marrying foreigners who have embraced their faith, culture, and way
of life. Here are 11 well-known Pakistani cricketers who have married foreigners and
created news.
1)Imran Khan and Jemima Goldsmith
Imran Khan, Pakistan’s current Prime Minister, married Jemima Goldsmith, an English
heiress and campaigner, in 1995. Jemima Khan became a Muslim after converting to Islam.
The couple split up in 2004 and had two boys.
2)Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik
Shoaib Malik, a former Pakistan captain and batsman, married Sania Mirza, an Indian
tennis player, in 2010. The couple endured numerous controversies and hostility from both
sides of the border, but ultimately prevailed. They have a kid, Izhaan.
3)Shaniera Akram and Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram, a legendary fast bowler, married Shaniera Akram, an Australian social
worker and philanthropist, in 2013. Shaniera became a Muslim and migrated to Pakistan
with Wasim. Aiyla, their daughter, was born.
4)Mohsin Khan and Reena Roy
In 1983, Mohsin Khan, a former Pakistan opener and coach, married Reena Roy, a
prominent Indian actress. Reena became a Muslim and changed her name to Saira. Sanam,
the couple’s daughter, was born after their divorce in 1992.
5)Rita Luthra and Zaheer Abbas
In 1988, Zaheer Abbas, a great batsman and former ICC president, married Indian doctor
Rita Luthra. Rita became a Muslim and changed her name to Samina. The couple currently
resides in London.
6)Rubab Khan and Shoaib Akhtar
Shoaib Akhtar, the world’s quickest bowler, married Rubab Khan, a teenage girl from
Pakistan’s Haripur district, in 2014. Shoaib’s relatives arranged the marriage. Mikaeel Ali
and Muhammad Mahir are their two sons.
7)Ebba Qureshi and Azhar Mahmood
Azhar Mahmood, a former all-rounder and Pakistan’s bowling coach, married Ebba
Qureshi, a Swedish nurse, in 2003. Ebba became a Muslim and changed her name to
Ayesha. Eshaal Fatima, Ibrahim Azhar, and Musa Azhar are the couple’s three children.
8)Hasan Ali and Samiya Arzoo
In 2019, Hasan Ali, a Pakistani fast bowler and World Cup winner, married Samiya Arzoo, an
Indian flight engineer working in Dubai. The couple married in an extravagant ceremony in
Dubai.
9)Samreen Fawad and Fawad Alam
In 2011, Fawad Alam, a Pakistani middle-order batsman and comeback hero, married
Samreen Fawad, a Sri Lankan girl from Colombo. Samreen became a Muslim and changed
her name to Ayesha. Ayat Fawad Alam and Zainab Fawad Alam are the couple’s two
daughters.
10)Umar Akmal and Noor Amna
In 2014, Umar Akmal, a controversial batsman and Kamran Akmal’s brother, married Noor
Amna, the daughter of former Pakistani leg-spinner Abdul Qadir. Noor Amna was born in
England and is a British citizen.
11)Narjis Khatun and Mohammad Amir
In 2016, Mohammad Amir, a promising fast bowler who was banned in 2010 for spot-fixing,
married Narjis Khatun, a British-Pakistani barrister. The couple had a traditional wedding
ceremony in Lahore.
