How Dharavi’s Simran Shaikh battled in opposition to odds to earn Rs 1.9 crore WPL deal

Simran Shaikh, a 22-year-old cricketer, made headlines when she landed a Rs 1.9 crore cope with Gujarat Giants within the Girls’s Premier League (WPL) public sale on Sunday, December 15. Her inspiring journey from the slender lanes of Dharavi, one among Mumbai’s largest slums, to the glittering WPL highlight is a testomony to resilience, dedication, and expertise.

Hailing from a household of modest means, Simran is the third of eight siblings. Her father, Jahid Ali, works as a wireman, whereas her mom, Akhtari Bano, has been a steadfast supporter of her desires. Regardless of societal norms and monetary challenges, the household stood by Simran as she pursued cricket, a sport usually inaccessible to women in underprivileged communities.

WPL Public sale 2025: Massive offers and unsold gamers

Simran’s father, talking to India Immediately, shared his ideas on her journey: “We have now confronted many struggles in our life. With the cash Simran is incomes, we hope to maneuver to a greater home.”

Simran’s early years have been removed from straightforward. She confronted criticism from neighbours who questioned why a woman was dedicating herself to sports activities. Simran give up education after Class 10 and centered on her cricket profession.

“Our neighbours used to criticise her, saying, ‘She’s a woman, why is she enjoying sports activities? She ought to concentrate on family work.’ Immediately, those self same neighbours come to us with smiles, congratulating us. I’m so pleased with what Simran has achieved in her profession,” her father Jahid stated.

Nevertheless, her mother and father believed in her potential. Akhtari Bano remembers giving Simran Rs 3000 to purchase her first cricket equipment, a sacrifice for the household on the time.

“I gave her Rs 3000 for the equipment and inspired her to pursue her ardour for sports activities. It was robust, however we believed in her,” Bano stated.

Mohammed Nayab, Simran’s brother, stated he’s hopeful Simran will get to play for India, sooner relatively than later.

“We’re all pleased with Simran. She’s going to shine this season, and sooner or later, God keen, she’s going to characterize India,” he stated.

Simran has been by ups and downs in her nascent profession. She was purchased for Rs 10 lakh within the inaugural version of the WPL by UP Warriorz. Nevertheless, Simran was not capable of get going, managing simply 29 runs in 9 matches in that season.

Simran went unsold in final yr’s public sale. Nevertheless, Simran caught the eye of the scouts along with her big-hitting expertise within the recently-concluded T20 Challenger Trophy.