Malik says no problem in playing in Hyderabad despite legal threats

Karachi, Apr 21 (UNI) Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik is all upbeat about his IPL debut for Delhi Daredevils tomorrow in Hyderabad and said the long running feud with an Indian family, who claimed that he has married to their daughter, will have no effect on his performance.

''If I had anything to hide or was afraid, I would not go to Hyderabad for the IPL game,'' Malik told newspersons here yesterday.

The Siddiqui family which resides in Hyderabad has alleged that Malik performed 'Nikah' on telephone with their daughter Aisha in 2002 and is not granting her divorce as per the Islamic laws.

The Siddiquis have threatened to move court in Hyderabad against Malik but the all-rounder does not fear about any such stance and will play against Deccan Chargers tomorrow.

Malik, however, refused the claims saying ''the girl's family is trying to trap him in an internet marriage scam''.

''If you know there are two legal notices with the Siddiqui family that I have sent them to retract their claims and apologise for trying to defame me, and they have kept quiet on the notices,'' Malik said.

''I don't think there will be any problem in playing in Hyderabad. As it is purely up to our Delhi captain Virender Sehwag if he even plays me because we already have eight overseas players in the side,'' Malik added.

After leading Pakistan to 5-0 win over lowly ranked Bangladesh, Malik said he will not leave any stone unturned and will perform to best of abilities in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

''We are professional cricketers and we have a playing life span of around 12 to 15 years. So we have to remain committed and perform to the best of our abilities.

''For me, the IPL is as important being a professional as playing for Pakistan,'' he said.

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