It's a decision that could break a million hearts. 'Baroda bomber' Irfan Pathan is set to marry long-time friend Shivangi Dev, daughter of an Indian diplomat in Australia. Pathan, who has known Shivangi for the past six years, told TOI that their parents had finally given their nod to the wedding. Shivangi works as a CA in Australia and also teaches dance to children.
"We know each other really well now," said a blushing Irfan, who first met his lady-love in Canberra in 2003. The younger Pathan, however, is sure of the venue. "It will take some time but certainly in Vadodara. It will be a traditional wedding," he said. Irfan had first met her during a practice match. "She was very shy and didn't talk much during our first meeting. It took quite some time before we got comfortable with each other and got into a relationship," Irfan said.
So, who proposed first? "I was the one who proposed to her about three years ago. I was in Vadodara when I called her up and asked her if she would marry me," Irfan Pathan said. She said yes. Initially, there was some resistance from both families. "Now, our families have accepted our relationship," he added. When asked about Shivangi, Pathan said, "She is a very good dance teacher and has a major fan following in her dance school."
Last year, there was a lot of buzz around one of Indian cricket's most eligible bachelor Irfan Pathan's hook-up with a diplomat's daughter, Shivangi Dev. But few had ever seen the two together. The couple had tried to keep the affair as discreet as possible. But can you really put the lid on something as hot as this? The two first met at the Adelaide Oval in 2003 during a match. Sources said Irfan was invited by Shivangi's father for dinner during the tour.
The affair hit the spotlight after Irfan chose to stay back in Australia after the last tour, apparently because he wanted to spend some quality time with Shivangi. News of the pairing may have come out only recently, but cricketing circles in Vadodara had known about it since January 2007 when Shivangi came to the city to see Irfan in action during a Ranji Trophy match and struggling to hit form.
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