Rumors have been circulating about Indian tennis legend Sania Mirza and cricketer Mohammed Shami getting married. Both Sania and Shami are prominent figures in their respective sports.

Sania, who has recently retired from professional tennis, is India’s most successful women’s tennis player. Shami, on the other hand, is a key pace bowler who played a crucial role in India’s journey to the ODI World Cup 2023 final.

Sania Mirza: India’s Tennis Icon

Sania Mirza has been a trailblazer in Indian tennis. Her career highlights include winning six Grand Slam titles and reaching the No. 1 spot in the WTA doubles rankings.

Recently, she announced her retirement from professional tennis, transitioning into roles such as a commentator and a mentor. Her influence extends beyond the court, inspiring countless young athletes in India.

Mohammed Shami: India’s Ace Bowler

Mohammed Shami is renowned for his lethal pace and ability to swing the ball both ways. His performances in international cricket have been pivotal, especially during India’s journey to the ODI World Cup 2023 final.

Despite personal challenges, including a public legal battle with his estranged wife Hasin Jahan, Shami has maintained his professional form, showcasing resilience and dedication.

The Origin of the Rumors

The rumors about Sania Mirza and Mohammed Shami’s alleged marriage began circulating after both athletes went through significant personal upheavals. Sania’s separation from Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik earlier this year and Shami’s ongoing separation from his wife Hasin Jahan created a fertile ground for speculation. Social media buzz and tabloid reports added fuel to the fire, spreading the unfounded rumors further.

Viral wedding photo exposed as fake

A key element that fueled the rumors was a manipulated photo claiming to show Sania Mirza and Mohammed Shami’s wedding. This image, which falsely depicted Shami and Sania as a married couple, was a doctored version of Sania’s 2010 wedding photo with Shoaib Malik.

The Center for Excellence in Journalism’s fact-checking initiative, iVerify Pakistan, debunked this claim. The viral image had superimposed Shami’s face over Malik’s in the original wedding photo, misleading many.

Imran Mirza’s firm denial

Amidst the swirling rumors, Sania’s father, Imran Mirza, firmly dismissed the wedding speculations. Speaking to NDTV, he stated, “This is all rubbish. She has not even met him.” His clear and categorical denial aimed to put an end to the baseless rumors, but the buzz persisted on social media and in some sections of the press.