New Delhi, July 15: The media report alleging that Shoaib Malik was left out of Pakistan team for roaming around London with wife Sania Mirza at the cost of practice sessions has left the family of the star tennis player upset. Sania’s father Imran termed the reports as “malicious and ridiculous rumours.”
“I don’t know who is spreading these malicious and ridiculous rumours. These are baseless and childish allegations,” Imran said. “Shoaib and Sania are both professional sportsmen who will not allow their personal life to interfere with their professions. Shoaib will naturally play only when the team management is convinced when his team needs him and when they feel he is back at his best form,” Imran said.
Media reports had claimed that Malik had skipped a practice session to be with Sania following which he was axed from the playing eleven. “Malik is spending too much time with his wife. We want him to fully concentrate on game if he wants to play long for the country. The management has already taken up the matter with him and he hopefully will emerge much wiser,” The News had quoted a team official, who refused to be named.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan team management has also rubbished reports that Malik was dropped because of spending too much time with Sania.
Meanwhile, Australia consolidated their position in the Lord’s Test. They bundled out Pakistan for 148 to take a first innings lead of 105 runs. Australia were 100 for four in their second innings.
—Agencies