Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has begun a new chapter in his life, marrying his Irish girlfriend Sophie Shine in an intimate wedding ceremony in the Delhi NCR region on Saturday, February 21. The couple’s heartwarming pictures have since taken social media by storm, with fans and celebrities alike showering blessings on the newlyweds .
‘Mr. & Mrs. Dhawan’: The official announcement
The 40-year-old former opener made the official announcement through a romantic Instagram post, sharing glimpses of their special day with the simple yet elegant caption, “Mr. & Mrs. Dhawan” . The photographs captured the couple’s unbridled joy – dancing together in celebration, sharing intimate moments, and participating in traditional wedding rituals including the solemn moment of Dhawan applying sindoor to Sophie’s forehead.
Both looked resplendent in designer Manish Malhotra creations. Dhawan opted for a sophisticated white-on-white sherwani with delicate tonal embroidery, accessorized with a layered emerald necklace that created a striking contrast against the ivory fabric. A classic white turban with a jewelled kalgi completed his regal Maharaja-inspired aesthetic.
Sophie, meanwhile, broke from tradition by choosing an ivory lehenga over the classic red, reflecting the rising popularity of pastel bridal palettes in modern Indian weddings. Her ensemble featured soft coral, peach, and sage green floral motifs against the ivory silk base, creating a romantic “blooming garden” effect. The high-neck blouse with cascading pearl strands doubled as jewellery, showcasing a couture trend where garment detailing replaces heavy accessories.
Who is Sophie Shine? The Irish woman who won Shikhar Dhawan’s heart
Sophie Shine is an Irish-born professional who currently serves as Second Vice President at Northern Trust Corporation in Abu Dhabi. She holds a degree in Marketing and Management from the Lumbrick Institute of Technology and has built an impressive corporate career.
Beyond her corporate role, Sophie is also the Chief Operating Officer of Da One Sports, Dhawan’s sports education initiative focused on grassroots training, and heads the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation . The couple reportedly first met in Dubai several years ago, and Sophie has been a constant presence in Dhawan’s life since.
Their relationship became public knowledge in May 2025 when Dhawan confirmed it with a social media post captioned “My love” accompanied by a red heart emoji. They announced their engagement on January 12, 2026, with a dreamy picture and heartfelt caption that read: “From shared smiles to shared dreams. Grateful for the love, the blessings and every good wish for our engagement as we choose togetherness forever.”
The couple has built a strong social media following, with their light-hearted and humorous reels widely appreciated by fans.
Also READ: Sophie Shine describes first meeting with Shikhar Dhawan and the trait that caught her eye
Dhawan’s pre and post-wedding festivities: Sangeet, haldi and reception
Before the wedding, the couple celebrated traditional pre-wedding ceremonies. Dhawan shared pictures from their sangeet night on Instagram with the caption “Sangeet Night, almost the Dhawans,” hinting at their impending marriage. He wore a white Indo-western ensemble while Sophie shimmered in a golden lehenga.
Sophie also offered fans a glimpse of the haldi ceremony, posting photos that showed the couple covered in turmeric paste, embracing the pre-wedding ritual with joy and enthusiasm.
Dhawan’s post-wedding celebration, the reception, turned into a star-studded affair with several familiar faces from Indian cricket in attendance. Former India teammates Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan and Yuzvendra Chahal were among those who joined the celebrations, adding warmth and camaraderie to the evening.
The occasion was further elevated by the attendance of BCCI officials, who also came to bless the couple and be part of the special moment.
Participated in wedding of cricketer shikhar Dhawan. Wishing a happy married life to him.@SDhawan25 @ImRo45 @IrfanPathan pic.twitter.com/P3qHe2a9fe
— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) February 21, 2026
A new chapter in Shikhar’s life after past heartbreak
This is Shikhar’s second marriage. He was previously married to Ayesha Mukherjee, with whom he shares a son named Zoravar. The couple parted ways in October 2023 after eight years of marriage, with the Delhi family court granting Dhawan a divorce decree.
Dhawan had earlier opened up about the emotional pain of being separated from his son. During an interview with ANI, he said, “It’s been two years since I saw my son. It’s been a year since we talked. Because I’m blocked from everywhere. Of course, it’s difficult. But… You learn to live with it and I miss him.”
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