Former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik has issued a scathing response to a fresh wave of tabloid speculation about his personal life, categorically denying rumors of a fourth marriage. In an emotional and strongly worded statement released on Sunday, March 1, the veteran all-rounder condemned the spread of misinformation citing the mental anguish caused to his family and young son.
The controversy erupted late last week when several social media platforms and digital news channels started circulating unverified claims that Malik was set to marry Pakistani actress Vaneeza Sattar on February 27. The rumors quickly spread on both sides of the border, prompting a rare direct hit from the 44-year-old cricketer, who has traditionally maintained a stoic silence about his private affairs.
In his statement, Malik sought to clarify the timeline of his previous relationships to dispel another marriage narrative often used by critics. He confirmed that his marriage to Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza officially ended in early 2023 by mutual consent.
“It was early 2023 when my first marriage ended,” Malik stated, specifically referring to his union with Mirza as his first legal marriage in this regard.
“It was decided by mutual consent that we would raise our child together. It was only after that that I remarried (to Sana Javed). I have always tried to keep my private life private out of respect for my family. But my silence seems to have been taken for granted.”
Malik married actress Sana Javed in January 2024a move that sparked significant public debate at the time. He expressed deep frustration at his now-wife being “targeted with negative remarks for things she was never involved in”, calling the online harassment “unacceptable”.
He further added, “Since my second marriage, people have tried to smear my reputation by associating me with individuals I have never met.”
“My son will read it”
The most poignant part of Malik’s rebuttal focused on his son Izhaan Mirza Malik. The cricketer emphasized that his son is now at an age where he is digitally literate and able to encounter these made-up stories online.
“I feel it has come to a point where it needs to be addressed because my son is now at an age where he will read these fake and made up stories, spread for opinions and mere pennies of earnings,” Malik wrote. “These baseless allegations are causing distress to those I care about.
He also criticized the “clickbait culture” of modern social media, reminding the public that there is “a lot more to life than a few likes and views”.
Legal Implications The Loom
Malik acknowledged that public figures are subject to scrutiny, but drew a firm line between legitimate public interest and invasion of personal privacy. He warned that his legal team is now monitoring platforms and individuals who continue to spread defamatory content.
“Failure to stop these assumptions and jokes about my personal life will result in strict legal action by my team against individuals and organizations,” the statement concluded.
The intervention marks a significant shift for Malik, who now appears determined to protect his household from the relentless rumours.
– The end
Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
01 March 2026 17:16 IST
