Australian pacer Shaun Tait, who is married to recognized Indian model Mashoom Singha, on his Twitter page announced that he has become an Overseas Citizen of India.
Tait, during his time with the former IPL side Rajasthan Royals, met Mashoom for the first time in 2010 at an after-party following which the couple hit it off and after four years of relationship got married in 2014.
Tait is widely remembered for bowling the second fastest delivery in cricket history. He clocked 161.1 km/hr against England at Lords in 2010. Tait shares this record with fellow Australian speedster Brett Lee. Pakistani quickie Shoaib Akhtar holds the record of bowling the fastest delivery clocking 161.3 km/hr.
The 34-year-old Shaun Tait made his international debut for Australia in Test cricket way back in 2005 against England, followed by his ODI debut in 2007. He went on to represent the Aussies in three Test matches, 35 ODIs and 21 T20s picking up 95 wickets in total. He retired from One Day International cricket in 2011 after Australia lost to India in the quarterfinal of the limited overs World Cup which was eventually won by the 'Men In Blue'. But Tait is still very much active playing for Australia in the T20's.
Considered one of the most dangerous bowlers who can constantly bowl over 155 km/hr, Tait has played for some of the best T20 sides including Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Renegades claiming 218 wickets from 171 matches.
Holding an Overseas Citizen of India card entitles Tait to enjoy all the benefits of being an Indian citizen except for the right to vote and and hold public office.