Shoaib Malik on Fatherhood After Divorce from Sania Mirza: ‘He Calls Me Bro, I Call Him Bro’

Shoaib Malik on Fatherhood After Divorce from Sania Mirza: Former cricketer Shoaib Malik has said he is also fulfilling his duties as a father well, having divorced Indian tennis star Sania Mirza. The former Pakistan cricket captain officially ended his 14-year marriage with Sania in January 2024 and continues to co-parent with her their son, Izhaan Mirza Malik. While Sania has sole custody, Shoaib often faces public backlash for not being around for his son. Addressing these concerns, Shoaib revealed that he shares a close bond with Izhaan.

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The cricketer, during a recent appearance on a Pakistani Ramzan television show, opened up about his practice of parenting in relation to Izhaan. He said that their rapport is based on friendship more than father-son relationship. “The relationship I share with him is one of friendship. He calls me bro, and sometimes I also call him bro. I make sure to visit him twice a month in Dubai, and while I’m there, I personally drop him to school and pick him up,” Shoaib shared.

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The cricketer further elaborated on the role of sports in their relationship, emphasizing how it strengthens their bond. “I have a very strong bond with him. Every day we connect on a video call and discuss everything,” he added.

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Shoaib states those very things that keep his presence alive in the son's life despite the distance and work commitments. He has on many occasions expressed such love for Izhaan on social media through clips of their activities, that included playing sports, celebrating different occasions, or simply sharing father-son memories.

One of the most talked-about marriages on either side of the border was that of Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik, who attracted great media attention when they tied the knot in 2010. Sania is a six-time Grand Slam champion, now retired from professional tennis in 2023, but has created her legacy as one of the greatest sportspersons from India. Shoaib is quite a veteran cricketer, having a long and successful international career representing Pakistan in cricket. They parted ways but devoted all their focus on their work and personal life, making sure that their son is raised with love and care.

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