Shoaib divorces Ayesha

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Admitting that he had married Ayesha Siddiqui, Shoaib Malik signed on divorce papers, said the Pakistan ministry for minority welfare.

Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik had on Wednesday sent divorce papers to his first wife Ayesha Siddiqui and she would now withdraw the criminal complaint against him, said a family friend of the Siddiquis here.

"Mr Shoaib Malik has sent divorce papers to Ayesha Siddiqui," said Shams Babar.

He said Ayesha would withdraw the criminal case filed against Shoaib as her main demand for the divorce has been met.

Shoaib, who is staying at the residence of his bride-to-be, Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, could not be reached for comment.

The surprising development comes two days after Ayesha filed a complaint with the police accusing Shoaib of cheating, harassment and criminal intimidation.

Shoaib, who married Ayesha over phone in 2002, agreed to the divorce after consistently denying the marriage.

The Sania-Shoaib marriage is scheduled for April 15.