Mirza and Malek families get ready to cross borders

New Delhi: Indian tennis star Sania Mirza and her family secured Pakistani visas yesterday ahead of her wedding next month with former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malek.

Sania's mother Naseema said the family was set to travel to Lahore where the marriage is expected to take place early next month, with a reception planned in India's Hyderabad city on April 15.

As Sania flew back to her home in Hyderabad from New Delhi yesterday, Malek told journalists in Lahore that the wedding date would be decided by the two families.

Marriage in Pakistan

"Insha Allah, we are getting married soon," Malek said. "Our parents will decide the date. We [Sania and I] are very happy. Our families are also very happy."

Asked when they will marry, he said: "It is happening sometime next month."

In New Delhi, Naseema Mirza said: "We have got the Pakistani visas. Naturally, we will be going to Pakistan. We are all very happy for Sania."

An official at the Pakistan high commission here confirmed that visa applications of 23-year-old Sania, her younger sister and their parents had been processed.

Shoaib's family too has applied for Indian visas, Pakistani media reported. The couple will live in Dubai after tying the knot, but Sania will continue to play tennis and represent India while Malek will turn out for Pakistan.

The two met in February in Dubai where Sania was playing a tournament and developed a liking for each other. The families took things forward and planned the alliance, the report said.

"This is the biggest day of my life. I have been in the media glare for too long and would appreciate a little privacy at this very personal moment," the 23-year-old told a leading Indian newspaper.

Malek, 28, said he would support Sania's career.

"Representing India at the 2012 Olympics is very important for her and I will be the proudest husband if she can win a medal for her country," he said.