Cape Town - Five years ago, Protea cricketer Wayne Parnell converted to Islam and, at the weekend, wed fashion blogger Aisha Barker in a ceremony in the city.
Parnell, who chose the Muslim name Muhammad Waleed, wed Barker at the Zeenatul Islam Mosque in District Six on Saturday.
Parnell said that in 2011 he decided to convert to Islam after personal study and reflection and that he had always had an interest in the Muslim faith.
The all-rounder, who plays his franchise cricket for the Cape Cobras, had his nikkah (traditional wedding ceremony), in December 2014.
The newly-weds will have three days together before Parnell jets off to the West Indies to play for the Proteas in a triangular tournament that also features the hosts and Australia.
The news made international headlines, with Pakistani news channel Ary News covering the news of the wedding.
The couple received special congratulations from Cricket South Africa in a tweet: “Congrats Wayne Parnell & Aisha on their wedding yesterday! May you live happily ever after.”
Fans and supporters also took to social media to wish the newly-weds well and congratulate them on their nuptials.
On Facebook, Gilbert Whiteley said, “Congrats Guys - may you have a long and happy life together with a couple of little Parnells thrown into the mix.”
Khan Baba also wished them well: “Congrats brother have a long and happy life with no sorrow no pain in your life.”
Mohammad Haroon Shah, from Pakistan, wrote: “I wish them a happy and prosperous life ahead.”
Pictures made the rounds on Twitter, many with congratulatory messages.
Waleed @WayneParnell with his bride, Aisha Baker, at the Zeenatul Mosque in Cape Town. (Pic PTV Sports) pic.twitter.com/QyEdTXjSFN
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) May 22, 2016
People magazine tweeted a picture with the message: “Congrats to @OfficialCSA player @WayneParnell & Aisha Baker on their #wedding yesterday! #love #marriage #Happiness.”
Cape Town Muslim Event tweeted a picture of the groom: “Slamat to SA Cricketer Walleed (Wayne) Parnell on his Marriage to Aisha Baker at Zeenatul Islam Masjid. Masha Allah.”
Cape Argus