Wasim Akram's new wife learning Urdu

Pakistani pace legend Wasim Akram has revealed that his newly-wedded Australian wife has converted to Islam and is learning Urdu.

Akram announced his marriage to his Australian girlfriend, Shaniera Thompson, saying that he has started his new life on a happy note.

Akram married Shaniera Thompson, a former public relations consultant, in Lahore last week in a simple ceremony, after proposing to her last month.

Stating that Thompson had converted to Islam, Akram said that she is learning his language Urdu.

The veteran of 104 Tests and 356 One-dayers said that Thompson has been close to his sons from his first marriage to Huma, who died in 2009 after multiple organ failure.

Thompson had come to Karachi earlier this month before going to see Akram's ailing father.

The first wife of Akram, Huma, died in 2009 after multiple organ failure.

The 47-year-old's career lasted from 1984 to 2003 and was regarded as one of the best left-arm fast bowlers to have played the game and remains a major celebrity in Pakistan.