Karachi: Former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik said on Tuesday he was proud of his Indian wife Sania Mirza.

The 28-year-old tennis star on Sunday became the world's top-ranked doubles player. She became the first Indian woman to achieve the feat, after winning the Family Circle Cup in Charleston, partnering Swiss star Martina Hingis.

"I am extremely proud and overwhelmed with joy," Malik said. "It's a matter of pride for Pakistan, too, as she is my wife... Of course, she is from India and she represents her nation with 100 per cent determination to be the best."

The celebrity couple, who tied the knot after a series of lavish ceremonies across both countries in 2010, have been called South Asia's answer to "Posh and Becks" - former English footballer David Beckham and his pop-star wife Victoria.

Malik, who has been out of the Pakistan team for a year despite success at the domestic level, said Sania's victory would prove an inspiration for young fans.

"It's also a victory for all tennis players and tennis fans in India and Pakistan on what is possible with hard work at the global level," he said.

Malik said he had celebrated with his family after watching the match from his hometown of Sialkot before calling his in-laws in India to congratulate them.

"I loved tennis before I married Sania, but now my heart is really in it.

"I watch her matches, and also those of her rivals to keep up to date. Most of the time she is playing and I'm not with her... I watch also because I miss her a lot."

The 33-year-old all-rounder, who has played 216 one-day Internationals, 59 Twenty20 Internationals and 32 Tests, added he was working hard to make a comeback to the Pakistan national team.

(Agencies)