Cricketers are the only professionals in India who get media attention with ease. Like when they score a century, claim a hat-trick, create a record, involve in a titanic tussle, they hit the headlines for all the reasons.
Cricket is deemed as a ‘religion’ in this country. There is no doubt that it’s the most-watched sport in India. Indian cricketers get paid handsomely for representing the country and they are known to lead a luxurious life.
Apart from earning in the international arena, they also get tonnes of bonuses from the cash-rich Indian Premier League. To put it in simple terms, earning money for them is as easy as a pie.
Cricketers also love to lead the team by the epitome of class. We just can’t judge their character based on their attitude on the field. They play with passion, pride, grit and determination to win games and in the process, some display sheer aggressiveness. But off the field, they are totally different people altogether.
Case in point, it is predicted that Pakistan captain Babar Azam will wed his cousin sister in 2022 after he became engaged to her a few months ago.
As many cricketers have married their cousins, sisters, or other relatives before, it’s important to note that this is not the first such union.
See how many cricketers who have married cousins or relatives have done it successfully.
1. Virender Sehwag and Aarti Ahlawat
In 2004, Virender Shewag married Aarti Ahlawat. Unbeknownst to many, Aarti is related to Sehwag through blood relations. For three years before getting married, Virat and Aarti were together.
2. Shahid Afridi and Nadia
On October 22, 2000, Afridi married his maternal uncle’s daughter, Nadia, in a lavish ceremony in Karachi. Five daughters have been given to the couple as a result of their union.
3. Saeed Anwar-Lubna
With his cousin Lubna, he married the former Pakistan opener, Saeed Anwar, in 1996. Following the 2003 World Cup, Anwar announced his retirement from international cricket.
4. Mustafizur Rahman–Samia Parvin
Mustafizur Rahman, the fast bowler for Bangladesh, married Samia Parvin, a distant cousin. In addition to her studies at Dhaka University, Rahman’s wife is also a psychology student.
5. Mosaddek Hossain and Sharmin Samira Mosaddek Hossain
The Bangladeshi cricketer, married his cousin Sharmin Samira in 2012, the year of their engagement.