Wedding bells: Cricketer Junaid Khan to tie the knot

An arranged marriage, his partner also hails from Swabi; her father a local cricket sensation

Junaid Khan. PHOTO: FILE

PESHAWAR:
His absence from ICC World Cup 2015 devastated Junaid Khan who could not make the team due to a leg injury. However, the void caused by being left behind by the boys is soon to be filled by a very important person, his wife.

In a very swift turn of events, Pakistani left arm pacer’s nikah and barat will be celebrated on Monday (today) and the valima is going to take place on Tuesday. Junaid will be marrying a woman chosen by his family, his cousin, Arif told The Express Tribune.

Like Junaid, his in-laws also hail from a village in Swabi. Originally from Gohati village, they are now settled abroad.

His father-in-law, Matiullah Khan, is also a cricketer who made quite a name for himself in the Swabi circuit. He was among the pioneers who had started cricket as a formal game in the district. Matiullah has also worked as the general secretary of Swabi Cricket Association for some time before he chose to relocate to another country.

According to Arif, the ceremonies are going to take place in a hujra in Mathra, Swabi as per local tradition, eschewing the more modern place settings for charpais. Instead of the high-flying cricket set, Junaid’s guest list comprises close relatives and village locals. The family had planned to invite Junaid’s fellow cricketers but, Arif said, most of them have left the country for the world cup; those still present have been invited.


Cricket profile

Junaid was injured at the World Cup training camp in Lahore, just before the New Zealand tour. He could not recover in time and Rahat Ali was chosen as his replacement. Ali will leave for Australia on Monday (today).

The fast bowler was meant to lead the line, teaming up with Muhammad Irfan.

Reports have emerged that Junaid will join the cricket academy in Lahore a week after his wedding so he can work on his fitness. Attempts were made to contact him but he could not be reached.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th, 2015.
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