Shoaib, Sania name baby boy 'Izhaan Mirza Malik'

KARACHI: Sports power couple Shoaib Malik and Sania Mirza on Tuesday morning became parents to a baby boy. According to India media reports, they have named their baby boy Izhaan Mirza Malik.

Source closer to the family said that the baby boy is named Izhaan, meaning showing 'obedience to Allah' in Arabic.

Earlier today, Malik wrote on Twitter: "Excited to announce: Its a boy, and my girl is doing great and keeping strong as usual #Alhumdulilah" . 

"Thank you for the wishes and Duas, we are humbled," the 36-year old all-rounder added.

Prior to Malik's announcement, his manager and agent, Ameem Haq, had tweeted: "#BabyMirzaMalik boy is here. Baby and mother are all smiles, the dad is over the moon."

Indian tennis star Mirza had been sharing numerous photographs on social media throughout her pregnancy, keeping her fans updated with the next phase of the couple's life. 

Mirza's sister Anam also shared her excitement on Instagram. 

Mirza, who is a three-time Grand Slam doubles winner, announced her pregnancy in April, prompting speculation her tennis career was over. She had been sidelined since last October with a knee injury.

The 31-year-old, who became the first Indian to win a WTA tournament singles title in 2005, has said the baby´s surname would be Mirza-Malik.

All-rounder Malik, 36, has been Pakistan´s key player in the limited-overs format after he retired from Test cricket in 2015.