Simran Shaikh, a cricketer from Asia’s largest slum, Dharavi, has become an inspiration after being bought by the Gujarat Giants for ₹1.90 crore in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction. The 22-year-old’s journey from a two-room home shared with 11 family members to becoming one of the highest-paid uncapped players in WPL history is nothing short of remarkable.
Simran’s father, Jahid Ali, a wireman, faced criticism from neighbors who disapproved of her playing cricket with boys. They told him, “Yeh ladki, ladkon ke saath khelti hai” (This girl plays with boys) and urged him to make her focus on household chores. However, Jahid stood by his daughter’s passion.
“Coming from a Muslim family and being poor, playing cricket wasn’t an easy choice,” Simran shared. “People told my father to stop me, but he never did. Now, those same people are coming to our house to congratulate him.”
Simran has faced many challenges, including financial struggles to afford basic cricket gear. But her hard work has paid off. Speaking from Ahmedabad, where she is representing Mumbai in the Women’s Senior One Day Trophy, Simran said, “I can’t believe this is real. I have been getting so many calls since the auction. Cricket has given me everything, and I’ll work even harder now.”
Simran is the third of eight siblings, including four sisters and three brothers. Her family’s life has revolved around the narrow lanes of Dharavi. Eleven people live in a small two-room house. But now, she hopes to change that.
“Our whole lives we have lived in slums, near open gutters. With this money, we will buy a good house and live decently,” said her father Jahid. “Thank God I didn’t listen to those who told me to stop her from playing cricket.”
Simran is now the second-highest-paid uncapped WPL player, after Kashvee Gautam, who was bought for ₹2 crore last year. She headlines a big day for uncapped players, with other major buys like 16-year-old wicketkeeper G Kamalini from Madurai (₹1.60 crore to Mumbai Indians) and all-rounder Prema Rawat (₹1.60 crore to Royal Challengers Bangalore).
Simran’s story is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and the power of believing in one’s dreams, despite the odds.
