Pakistani cricket legend Khan and British socialite divorce

BRITISH socialite Jemima Khan and Pakistani cricket legend Imran Khan have divorced, it was confirmed yesterday.

The marriage between the daughter of the late billionaire James Goldsmith and the cricketer-turned-politician was formally ended in London.

Their marriage in 1995 caused a stir in social circles as Jemima converted from Judaism to Islam in order to marry.

She was a prominent socialite in London, mixing with the late Princess Diana and other international figures.

In a statement, Mr Khan said: “I can confirm that Jemima and I are divorced. My home and future are in Pakistan.

“Whilst Jemima has tried her very best to adapt to life in Pakistan over the last nine years, my political life has made it particularly difficult for her.

“This was a mutual decision and was clearly very sad for both of us.

“Needless to say, we remain on very good terms and our children will always be our first priority.”

It was not clear who would get custody of their two sons who are in England.

Khan, elected to parliament in 2002, has become a strong voice in opposition to President General Pervez Musharraf’s government. His name is often mentioned as a future Pakistani leader.

Jemima Khan campaigned for her husband, speaking to crowds of thousands in the Urdu language. But in recent months, she has spent more time in England, sparking rumours the couple’s relationship was on the rocks. She was only 21 when she married Imran, who was twice her age, in 1995.