Inside cricket star Aliya Riaz and commentator Ali Younis’s grand wedding
Pakistani women’s cricket all-rounder Aliya Riaz and cricket commentator Ali Younis, younger brother of former captain Waqar Younis, have tied the knot. The picturesque ceremony, held at a private farmhouse in Lahore, marks the beginning of a new innings for the couple.
The affair, which took place against the backdrop of Lahore’s rich cultural heritage, was nothing short of spectacular. Nida Dar, Anam Amin, and Iram Javed, alongside other accomplished players, lent their blessings to Riaz and Younis.
Notable figures from the cricketing fraternity including Babar Azam, Azhar Ali, Mohammad Yousuf, and Ramiz Raja, were also spotted at the ceremony, highlighting the inclusive spirit that permeates the sport.
Javed shared snippets from the wedding on her Instagram, as well as a vlog covering the festivities. The vlog features the couple’s nikkah ceremony, behind-the-scenes banter, Babar Azam’s entry, dances, and more.
Dar, captain of the Pakistan women’s national cricket team, also shared pictures from the wedding, one featuring the entire “cricket family”.
She also shared pictures with the girls and a video that shows both captains, herself and Azam, in one frame.
Riaz looked exquisite in a beige lehenga choli with intricate silver embroidery. Ali donned an off-white shalwar kurta with a beige waistcoat to match his bride. The duo looked adorable — to say the least.
Hailed as the top all-rounder of Pakistan’s women’s team, Riaz has carved a name for herself in the cricketing annals. With a stellar record spanning 62 One-Day Internationals and 83 T-20 matches, she has been a consistent performer on the global stage.
Her memorable displays in tournaments such as the 2018 ICC Women’s World Twenty20 and the 2020 ICC Women’s T-20 World Cup have earned her global admiration and respect.
On the other hand, Ali brings his expertise and passion for the game to the forefront as a distinguished commentator. Renowned for his insightful commentary and astute analysis, he enriches the cricketing experience for audiences across the globe.
Most recently, he was part of the PSL 2024 commentary team.
Riaz and Ali got engaged earlier this month in an intimate ceremony attended by family.