Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram (left) with his Australian bride Shaniera Thompson during their wedding ceremony in Lahore on August 12. “I married Shaniera in Lahore last week in a simple ceremony and this is the start of a new life for me, my wife and for my kids,” Akram said in a statement yesterday. The 47-year-old’s first wife Huma died in 2009 after multiple organ failure. Akram proposed to the 30-year-old former public relations consultant on bended knee last month. Thompson came to Karachi earlier this month before going to Lahore to see Wasim’s ailing father. There the marriage was solemnised in the presence of immediate family and a few close friends. Akram said Thompson had converted to Islam and is learning Urdu. “She has embraced Islam and is learning our language. She has been close to my sons and they form a very good bond.” Akram has two sons from his first marriage. He said his new wife was eager to settle quickly in Pakistan. “I sincerely hope the people of Pakistan and our friends and supporters across the globe will give us their blessings and support,” he said.