In the glamorous world of celebrity culture, sports, and showbiz, few stories have captured public attention as intensely as the one involving Sania Mirza and Sana Javed. While both women are successful in their own right, their names became intertwined in early 2024 after former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik married actress Sana Javed—following widespread speculation about his separation from Indian tennis star Sania Mirza.
Though they hail from different professional backgrounds—Sania from the tennis court and Sana from the entertainment industry—both women are strong, independent, and widely admired. Their unexpected association through Shoaib Malik led to intense public scrutiny, fan discussions, and a renewed focus on their individual stories.
Let’s take a closer look at who they are, how they rose to fame, and how their lives became publicly connected.
Sania Mirza: The Queen of Indian Tennis
Born on November 15, 1986, in Mumbai, Sania Mirza is a name that resonates with pride across India and the global tennis community. She is a six-time Grand Slam champion—three in women’s doubles and three in mixed doubles—and one of the most successful female tennis players in Indian history.
Sania turned professional in 2003 and quickly made headlines with her aggressive baseline play, bold personality, and never-give-up attitude. She broke several barriers as a Muslim woman in Indian sports and became a symbol of empowerment for millions of girls. Apart from her athletic achievements, she was also honored with prestigious awards including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.
Sania married Shoaib Malik in April 2010 in a cross-border union that stunned and intrigued the media. Their marriage was seen as a symbol of love transcending political and cultural boundaries between India and Pakistan. They welcomed their son, Izhaan Mirza Malik, in 2018, and Sania often referred to him as the “center of her world.”
However, over time, rumors of a rift between Sania and Shoaib started surfacing. While the couple maintained silence and continued sharing family moments online, fans noticed a visible distance. Sania’s cryptic posts about self-respect and healing in late 2023 further fueled separation rumors.
Sana Javed: The Starlet of Pakistani Drama Industry
Sana Javed, born on March 25, 1993, is one of Pakistan’s top television actresses known for her powerful roles and graceful screen presence. She began her career in modeling and TV commercials before stepping into the drama industry. Her breakout performance in the hit drama Khaani earned her massive popularity and critical acclaim.
She later appeared in successful dramas like Ruswai, Dunk, and Aye Musht-e-Khaak, portraying strong female leads that struck a chord with the audience. Sana became known for her expressive eyes, elegant looks, and commanding performances, making her a household name in Pakistan and among South Asian audiences worldwide.
Sana was previously married to singer Umair Jaswal, another beloved figure in Pakistan’s music scene. However, their marriage reportedly ended quietly in 2023. The couple never publicly announced their separation, but fans observed their absence from each other’s social media, followed by deleted posts and eventual confirmation through silence.
The Connection: Shoaib Malik
The bridge between Sania Mirza and Sana Javed is Shoaib Malik, a celebrated Pakistani cricketer with a long and illustrious international career. In January 2024, Shoaib shocked the world by announcing his marriage to Sana Javed through social media. The couple posted serene nikah photos, clad in traditional white attire, and confirmed that they had tied the knot.
This announcement came with no prior confirmation of his separation from Sania Mirza, sparking a media frenzy. Fans of Sania felt heartbroken, as many had considered her and Shoaib the ultimate cross-border power couple. Some even accused Shoaib of not publicly acknowledging his split with Sania before remarrying. However, neither Sania nor Shoaib addressed these speculations in detail, choosing to remain private.
In contrast, Sana Javed’s fans welcomed her new beginning, though criticism did surface online regarding the timing and public perception. Many wondered whether Sana had any role in Shoaib and Sania’s alleged split, but no evidence or statements confirmed such rumors.