Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan is ready to embark on his second marriage journey with longtime girlfriend Sophie Shine. The much-anticipated wedding will take place in Delhi-NCR in February 2026, marking a fresh chapter for the beloved opener after his 2023 divorce.
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Shikhar Dhawan & Sophie Shine: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Wedding Date | Third week of February 2026 |
| Venue | Delhi-NCR Region |
| Bride | Sophie Shine (Irish national, mid-30s) |
| Groom | Shikhar Dhawan (40 years old) |
| First Meeting | Dubai restaurant, 2023 |
| Relationship Status | Living together for 1+ year |
| Expected Guests | Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Bollywood stars |
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Who Is Sophie Shine? Meet Dhawan’s Irish Partner
Professional Background: Sophie Shine is an accomplished corporate professional currently serving as Second Vice President at Northern Trust Corporation since 2018. She holds a degree in Marketing and Management from Limerick Institute of Technology, Ireland.
Philanthropic Role: Beyond her corporate career, Sophie leads the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, showcasing her commitment to social causes and supporting the former cricketer’s charitable initiatives.
Social Media Presence: Despite maintaining a low profile initially, Sophie now boasts over 340,000 Instagram followers, sharing glimpses of travel, fitness, and life with Dhawan.
According to ICC’s official coverage, the couple was first publicly spotted together during Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, sparking widespread speculation about their relationship.
Love Story Timeline: How They Met
🔹 Rank 1 – Dubai Restaurant Meeting (2023): Dhawan recalls being “struck by her appearance” when they first met at a Dubai restaurant. Sophie noted his “expressive eyes and immediate connection” during their first encounter.
🔹 Rank 2 – Private Relationship Phase (2023-2024): The couple kept their relationship private while building a strong foundation. Sophie was spotted wearing PBKS jersey at Mullanpur Stadium during Dhawan’s last IPL season in 2024.
🔹 Rank 3 – Public Confirmation (May 2025): Sophie posted their first couple photo in May 2025, followed by Dhawan’s affectionate birthday post for her in June, officially confirming their relationship.
🔹 Rank 4 – Champions Trophy Appearance (2025): Their joint appearance at ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai confirmed their serious commitment, with Sophie supporting Dhawan publicly.
🔹 Rank 5 – Wedding Announcement (January 2026): Sources close to the couple revealed wedding plans for February 2026, describing it as “a new beginning treated with quiet happiness and gratitude.”
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Dhawan’s Previous Marriage
Shikhar Dhawan was previously married to Melbourne-based Ayesha Mukherjee in 2012. Ayesha, over ten years older than Dhawan, had two daughters from her previous marriage. The couple welcomed son Zorawar Dhawan in December 2014. After facing personal challenges, they officially divorced in October 2023. The separation has reportedly limited Dhawan’s access to his son, making this new relationship particularly meaningful for the cricketer’s emotional wellbeing.
Wedding Preparations & Guest List
Sources reveal Dhawan is “hands-on with wedding preparations,” personally overseeing arrangements for the grand Delhi-NCR celebration. Expected attendees include:
✅ Cricket Stars: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, and other teammates
✅ Bollywood Celebrities: Several prominent industry figures
✅ Close Friends & Family: Intimate circle supporting the couple’s new beginning
The wedding promises to blend traditional Indian ceremonies with modern celebrations, reflecting both Dhawan’s cultural roots and Sophie’s Irish heritage.
What Makes This Relationship Special
Both Dhawan and Sophie share deep interests in travel, fitness, cultural experiences, and philanthropy. Their relationship developed naturally from friendship to love, built on mutual respect and understanding. A source close to them states they approach this new chapter with “gratitude and quiet happiness,” having both experienced life’s challenges before finding each other.
Dhawan, who retired from international cricket in October 2024 after scoring 6,793 ODI runs with 17 centuries, now focuses on his foundation work, IPL commentary, and building a life with Sophie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When is Shikhar Dhawan marrying Sophie Shine?
Shikhar Dhawan will marry Sophie Shine in the third week of February 2026 in a grand ceremony in Delhi-NCR, with preparations already underway and cricket and Bollywood stars expected to attend.
Q2: How did Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine meet?
They met at a Dubai restaurant in 2023, where an instant connection developed. After months of friendship, they began dating and have been living together for over a year before announcing their February 2026 wedding.
