Sania Mirza's father blames payment delay on misunderstanding

Sania Mirza's father on Tuesday denied reports that the family had refused to pay for the tennis player's security and said the delay was a result of miscommunication with the government.

Imran Mirza said in a statement that the family never thought of not paying the amount.

"I would like to clarify that security was provided to Sania based on perceptions of a threat to her safety and security," he said.

"We were given to understand that the state, which has always taken justifiable pride for her achievements, felt responsible for providing the security for her, when she needed it. On several occasions when we met the officials concerned we were given to understand that Sania's security for that particular period was part of the state's continued commitment and interest in her progress as a player who had brought laurels to the country," he said.

"The delay in making the payment was caused due to our misunderstanding of the situation. We have already deposited the money into the government treasury as there is no question of us, as parents, shirking the responsibility of paying for our daughter's security," he added.