Shoaib Malik's image will be tainted, feels Akram

New Delhi, April 4 (IANS) Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram feels that all juicy news about Shoaib Malik's past relationship with an Indian girl will harm the Pakistani cricketer's image.

"Pakistan cricket continues to intrigue me. Quite a few things are making headlines and unfortunately, almost all for the wrong reasons! First up, many congratulations to Shoaib Malik, although the juicy news about his previous relationship will do him no good," Akram, bowling coach of Kolkata Knight Riders, wrote in his column in ESPNStar.com.

"Whatever the facts are, I will like to wish Sania Mirza and Shoaib a good life together. Marriage is sacred," he added.

Shoaib's pending wedding with Indian tennis star Sania Mirza has been marred with one Ayesha Siddiqui, also from Hyderabad, claiming to be the wife of the cricketer and made public the 'nikahnama' to prove the marriage.

The Pakistani cricketer admitted that he signed the marriage document presuming that the bride was the girl whose photographs were sent to him.

Shoaib and Sania's wedding is likly to take place in Hyderabad April 15. Sania also tweeted on the controversy saying she and her family know the truth.

The Siddiquis have been tightlipped but their family friends said legal notices were served on Shoaib and his brother-in-law Imran Zafar for cheating and defamation.