Shoaib thanks countrymen, media for supporting him amidst wedding controversy - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik has thanked the nation and media for extending full support to him during the controversy which engulfed his proposed marriage with Indian tennis star Sania Mirza. In a statement issued here, Shoaib reiterated that 'God knows everything', and said he would personally thank his media friends when he returns back home after the wedding, which is scheduled to take place in Hyderabad on April 15. "I apologize if anyone feels hurt as far as my decision is concerned. I am thankful to God and all those who extended full support the tough times," The News quoted Shoaib, as saying. Meanwhile, the Hyderabad police has said that the case filed against Shoaib has not been taken back and investigations would continue. The muddle surrounding Shoiab-Sania marriage has been dominating news headlines over the last few days, with volleys of claims and counter claims being made by both Shoaib and Ayesha Siddiqui, the Hyderabad based girl who claimed to be the cricketer's first wife. On Wednesday, Shoaib signed the talaq nama (divorce papers) after leaders of the Muslim community mediated between the Siddiquis' and the Maliks', saying the public splashing and scrutiny of the episode had brought a bad name to the community. Sources close to both families said the police complaint against Shoaib would be taken back and it was also agreed that the cricketer would pay a maintenance amount of 15, 000 rupees to Ayesha as per Islamic law.