Sania, Shoaib invite PTF chief for ‘Valima’

Pakistan Tennis Federation President Dilawar Abbas, who created a stir by saying that Sania Mirza should play for Pakistan after marrying cricketer Shoaib Malik, has been invited to the high-profile couple’s Valima reception in Lahore on April 27.

Abbas said Sania’s father Imran had called him up and invited him for the function.

“Imran said that he was grateful that the PTF had extended an open invitation to Sania to play in Pakistan whenever she came to Pakistan. He was happy at the respect given to his daughter,” Abbas said.

Abbas had retracted his controversial statement insisting he was misquoted and he had said that Sania should play in Pakistan and not for Pakistan.

“I stand by my statement that we would be delighted if Sania can take time out and play in our nation at events or hold coaching camps for our youngsters. We would love to see her involved in Pakistan tennis,” Abbas said.

Sania has made it clear that even though she is married to a Pakistani she would continue to represent India in tennis and has also said she would not be changing her maiden name after marriage.