Australian news agencies say that famous left-arm fast bowler Wasim Akram has proposed to Shaniera Thomson. PHOTO: Herald Sun
The famous left-arm fast bowler, who is 47, proposed to Thomson, 30, in their lounge room, the Herald Sun, along with other Australian news sites reported.
"It was a romantic moment of my life because it was so genuine," said Thompson.
A former public relations consultant from Brighton, Thompson is a convert to Islam, and will call Pakistan home. She said Akram was nervous about proposing in the traditional way.
"He was really sweet about it. He asked me what my dream proposal would be, and I said that I wasn’t the type of woman to like big scenes. I said I would want it to be at home or somewhere private. He then came into the lounge, on his knee and asked me if I would marry him," she said
Thompson's father gave his blessing to the couple.
The pair met in Melbourne in 2011 -- something that Akram said he was happy about.
"I never thought that I would marry again, but I am lucky and very happy to find love once again," he said.
"It just goes to show that life can give you a second chance."
Akram's first wife, Huma, died in 2009. They had two boys, now aged 15 and 12.
COMMENTS (45)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1732643921-0/4548774-1403918848-(1)1732643921-0-270x192.webp "pakistan to strengthen naval defence with its first frigate sized warship")
@Salman H: Correction. Muslim mens can marry christians and jews women (Ihle-Kitab) for good even without converting but muslim women can't marry non-muslim men without he is converted to Islam. For other religions he or she must be coverted if one of them is not muslim.
@Pakistani: Then I suggest that you keep laughing until the end of the century. It’s good for your health
Thanks Pakistani. I would be laughing for a millennium looking at what's happening in Pakistan.
Two things first...
1) she has not converted to ISLAM...if she has then wats her new ISLAMIC name?? wasim bhai is clearly lying on this 2) The couple are settling down in sydney where wasim bhai wil be a bowling consultant for CRICKET AUSTRALIA...
Best of luck to wasim bhai..
Congrats Wasim Bhai. One more to the ranks of the Ummah, and may be many more by way of children.
How does it matter, converted or not, he is happy, she is happy. There is a saying "begaani shaadi mai abdullah deewana", fits here perfectly. I must admit, she is a hottie.
@Wajeeha: Haha i do see what you mean.... :D nice observation :P :P
Congrats to the Sultan of Swing!
for same uniformity in thought same religious couple is must religious couples@shailesh karanjkar:
We need more happy inter racial unions to break the taboo against them that exists in our society. We need to become more accepting of others beliefs, race and culture. Its the first sign of a progressive society.
I look forward to the day normal people (and not just movie stars and cricketers) also take such steps.
Life is all about love and peace.
she is hot
@Salman H: "We Muslims do not force anyone to change their religion to get married"
This must be the joke of the century. Those who converted from religion of peace had to either get asylum in west if they are still alive or had to pay with their life if they were in the land where they were born.
@Weirdity: That’s rich coming from a citizen of a country founded on religion!
So that means Indian right-wing trolls can go all day trying to make fun of others' beliefs while we just watch? You're mistaken sir.
Lolzz congo.... umm i dont know but they resemble just too much in dea face structure :P :D
Wasim Bhai, your ancestors came to Pakistan from my neighbouring village Chavinda Devi, District Amritsar. After all we all Amarsariya rock. Both the Prime Ministers of Pakistan and India have Amritsar roots. Wasim Bhai Aap Imran Khan Bhai Se Kamm Nahin...Best wishes from Canada, Regards, Raj
Wasim bhai must be a breath of fresh air for Shaniera, as he is a very down to earth and genuine man.
Hearty congrats and best of luck to the couple. Enjoy life.
Wasim Akram is a nice guy. He is not a typical Muslim fanatic who would have conversion as a precondition for love. All the best to this couple.
@Salman: "Here comes the first indian troll…..always interested in Religion"
:-) . That's rich coming from a citizen of a country founded on religion!
It is interesting only people with Indian names are dragging religion into this discussion on this forum. So, much for liberal ideals. Subtle bigotry !!!
Wonderful news ! They look so happy together. May they always remain so. Matrimony has always been the best path to world peace, far more attractive than armies, Homeland Security and the other uses of force. Congratulations, wedded bliss, fertility and long life to you both! Ameen, Amen.
@Salman H: You are wrong!! Youre perpetuating something people say in Pakistan but is actually not what Islam says. Muslims are allowed to marry 'People of the Book'. Basically that means that Muslims are marry other Muslims, Christians and Jews (this is what Lea Feroza Khan meant when she said she didnt have to convert for marriage). It is correct that marrying people from any other faith is not a marriage in the eyes of Islam.
Another entry into the religion of peace.
@Shailesh: We Muslims do not force anyone to change their religion to get married. But in Islam Nikkah cannot be performed if the girl is not Muslim. As for what we see in India where famous muslim stars like Shahrukh Khan and other Muslim celebs are married to Hindus which was never allowed in Islam. These are not marriages approved in Shariah Law but they are together in civil union. These so called new generation of liberal and confused people are coming out in public and changing the Islamic Law for their ulterior motives. I appreciate what Wasim is doing is the right thing to do.
She's hot.
Congrats!! Waseem Akram.:) .
poor sushmita
@Ak Read the article carefully,
"A former public relations consultant from Brighton, Thompson is a convert to Islam, and will call Pakistan home"
What it means ??
Here comes the first indian troll.....always interested in Religion
@TightPatloon: ya people are good at love jihad
Congratulations Wasim bhai... :) She is better than Sushmita... Pakistanis already have many Indian "Bhabhies" , Good to have one from Australia :)
w.r.t. what the Indian shailesh said above: you people HAD to pick a keerra!
I always wonder when muslims marry non muslims everything is normal but when non muslims marry muslims there will be death threats,fatwas and what not.
FYI: I am an atheist.
Congratulations to Wasim Akram
@ Shailesh Karanjkar I find your comment unacceptable. My husband is a Pakistani Muslim and when I had met him 25 years ago in London I was totally opposite to who I am now & he has changed me in a good way! I didn't convert because of him when we were engaged, I was interested in his beliefs and studied it myself and fell in love with Islam. For me it was the only thing that could save me from where I was heading and something that was so true for me! And tbh my husband wasn't pleased because he thought people would say I converted because of him. That's not true! We are now celebrating our 23 year anniversary in two weeks and Alhamdulillah we are very happy together. I could have stayed a lapsed Christian, in fact, if I would have I don't think I would be here! I'm happy and if Wasim Akram and his fiancee are happy then who are you to be concerned? I'm pretty sure she converted willingly. In Islam Wasim Akram can marry her even if she didn't convert. But maybe this might have something to do with the culture in Pakistan which might not accept it if she didn't share his beliefs. I've been Pakistan before many times and have been accepted by all our family members! I hope them a blessed marriage and a beautiful family along with it.
Waseem is enjoying worldly life
@shailesh karanjkar Did anyone say or suggested anything about converting for marriage? Your point merely reflects your prejudices, nothing else.
@ shailesh karanjkar Who told you she converted for marriage? Don't make up your own stories. Instead wish the couple best.
What is most important is converting to Islam for marriage... I am stunned, why one can not continue with his/her religion?
The news is correct. She was here in Karachi 2 months back. met them in cafe koel.
Congratulations Wasim Bhai!
Best Wishes to the couple but why did ET copy pasted: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/pakistan-cricket-great-wasim-akram-to-marry-melbourne-woman/story-e6frg6n6-1226675592370
Waiting for a tsunami of Indian to.men's complaining about sushmita sen and how she has been dumped. We are the number one nation in pulling and this proved.