Key developments in Shoaib-Sania-Ayesha saga

HYDERABAD - Here are the key developments in Shoaib Malik-Ayesha Siddiqui marriage saga, which finally culminated in the Pakistani cricketer sending divorce papers to her Wednesday.

2000: Shoaib Malik comes in contact with Ayesha.

2002: Shoaib marries Ayesha over phone.

2002-2005: Shoaib visits Hyderabad and Ayesha’s house a number of times, including once with the Pakistani team.

January, 2008: Shoaib says he is calling off the “engagement” with Ayesha as the two families are unable to reach an understanding over the issue. Ayesha’s family threatens to sue him and demands divorce. Shoaib’s family hits back saying she cheated him by sending photographs of another girl.

March 29, 2010: Indian tennis star Sania Mirza announces that she is marrying Shoaib in Hyderabad April 15.

March 31: Siddiquis threaten to move court against Shoaib and demand that he divorce their daughter before marrying Sania.

April 2: Ayesha’s family releases copies of “nikahnama” to media to prove her marriage with Shoaib.

April 3: Shoaib arrives at Sania’s house in Hyderabad.

April 4: The Pakistani cricketer issues a statement, saying he never met or married the girl whose photographs were sent to him. He says Ayesha, who is claiming to be his first wife, had met him as Maha Apa or the elder sister of the girl whose photographs were sent to him. Ayesha files a complaint with the police accusing Shoaib of cheating, harassment and criminal intimidation.

April 5: Police launch investigation, grill Shoaib at Sania’s house and seize his passport. Shoaib and Sania hold joint press conference. The Pakistani cricketer claims innocence and says he will not leave India till he clears his name.

April 6: Police record Ayesha’s statement to gather evidence against Shoaib.

April 7: Shoaib sends divorce papers to Ayesha and the latter agrees to withdraw case against him under a compromise arrived at after mediation by some Muslim leaders and family members of Ayesha and Sania.