Hyderabad, Feb.1 :Pakistani cricket captain Shoaib Malik's claim that he had never married Hyderabad-based Ayesha Siddiqui has been hotly contested by the girl's father, M.A. Siddiqui.

Ayesha's father today said in a statement here that Malik had formally married Ayesha on June 3, 2002, and he had the required proof. He demanded that the player give a "formal divorce" so that his daughter could get on with her life.

Siddiqui said that he would be moving the court if his daughter did not get the divorce.

"The nikah of my daughter (Ayesha) with Shoaib Malik took place on June 3, 2002. We also have the proof," said Siddiqui, a resident of posh Banjara Hills here.

He also challenged Malik's January 21 claim that his marriage plans with Ayesha ended because both families could not reach an understanding on certain issues.

Siddiqui alleged Malik wanted to end the relationship "just to gain goodwill and build his image."

Describing his daughter as being "devastated and traumatised" by the whole issue, he claimed that she had been hospitalised on several occasions.

Siddiqui said his family had called Malik and his family many times, but they have "refused to talk to us."

ANI