New Delhi, Jun 21 (HT) : International cricketer Ishant Sharma will marry Pratima Singh, a basketball player from Varanasi who has represented India at the international level, in December this year.

Speaking to HT on phone, Pratima’s mother Urmila Singh said, “ Ishant and Pratima got engaged in the presence of friends and relatives at a hotel in Gurgaon on Sunday. Their marriage will take place in December, most likely in Varanasi.”

Singh has consulted a noted astrologer to find the shub muhurt and date (auspicious time) for the marriage. “I am very pleased with my daughter’s choice. Pratima is a sportsperson and has chosen a cricketer as her life partner. Ishant is very good. Ring ceremony is done. Now, we are looking for an auspicious muhurt (time) for the marriage in December.”

Urmila revealed the marriage was rescheduled from July to December because Ishant is expected to be on tour with Team India during most of this period. The fast bowler met Pratima around five years ago and the relationship blossomed.

“Pratima started playing basketball at an early age. She was selected to the Indian junior basket ball team in 2006. She was made captain in 2008,” Singh said.

Singh participated in the Asian Games in 201o and performed well.

“Pratima has done masters in physical education (MPED) and M Phil (physical education) from Delhi University. She has recently enrolled PhD in physical education at Delhi University,” her mother said.

She is the youngest among the five sisters. Her elder sister Priyanka Singh, a former basketball player, is a National institute of Sports (NIS) coach. Another sister Divya Singh coaches the junior India basketball team. Two other sisters, Prashanti Singh and Akansha Singh, also play basketball.

Pratima’s father GS Singh is a retired bank officer and lives in Shivpur area of Varanasi.

Divya Singh, Pratima’s sister, says, “We are delighted. Pratima too is happy.”