Sania, Shoaib to wed Monday afternoon

HYDERABAD - Indian tennis star Sania Mirza will tie the knot with Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik Monday, a spokesperson of the bride\’s family said.

\”This is to confirm that Sania and Shoaib\’s wedding will take place, shortly. The timing and venue can\’t be disclosed for security reasons,\” Rucha Naik told reporters outside Sania\’s residence in Jubilee Hills.

However, sources said the marriage, which was originally scheduled to take place Friday, would be solemnised at 1 p.m. Monday at Taj Krishna hotel.

Sania, her parents, Shoaib and his relatives have already moved into the hotel for the \’nikah\’ ceremony.

Security has been tightened at the hotel and the media will not be allowed inside.

It is learnt that the two families decided to solemnise the marriage Monday to avoid further controversies, especially in the light of Sunday\’s \’fatwa\’ issued by Islamic religious scholars against Sania and Shoaib living together before their marriage.

Sania\’s media manager Sunday night clarified that Shoaib moved out of Sania\’s house a few days ago.

Naik said there would be a \’mehendi\’ ceremony Tuesday. The \’sangeet\’ would be held the next day while Sania\’s family would hold the wedding reception April