From Dharavi to WPL: Simran Shaikh's Inspiring Journey

"Jahid, kya kar raha hai tu? It is time she learns ghar ka kaam." ("Jahid, what are you doing? It is time she learns household chores") These comments were directed at the father of a girl who dared to dream big. The daughter of a humble electrician from Dharavi, this young girl grew up in a family of eight siblings. Despite the odds, her father supported her dreams, and today we know her as Simran Shaikh.

In Mumbai's largest slum, the narrow lanes witnessed the blossoming of this young cricketer's aspirations and hard work. At the tender age of 15, Simran developed a passion for cricket and played gully cricket with boys in her neighbourhood. She faced criticism from neighbours, who questioned why a girl would pursue cricket.

In a recent interview with India Today, her father, Jahid Ali, shared how people would criticize her for playing sports, and how now they are supportive of her dreams. 

"Our neighbours used to criticize her, saying, 'She's a girl, why is she playing sports? She should focus on household work.' Today, those same neighbours come to us with smiles, congratulating us. I am so proud of what Simran has achieved in her career.,"

Redefining Success: Success Is A Journey, Not A Destination

Coming from an underprivileged background, Simran encountered tremendous challenges throughout her journey. She pursued education only up to the 10th grade, choosing to focus on her cricket career afterwards.

Acknowledging the family's initial struggles, Simran's father, Jahid, expresses hope to improve their living conditions and move to a better house with the support of his daughter's earnings.

Her mother, Akhtari Bano, recalled the sacrifices their family made, including purchasing an expensive cricket kit for Simran's budding career. "I gave her Rs. 3,000 for the kit and encouraged her to pursue her passion for sports. It was tough, but we believed in her."

Simran's brother, Mohammed Nayab, expressed his pride in his sister’s achievements and his hope for her future. "We are all proud of Simran. She will shine this season, and one day, God willing, she will represent India." 

Simran’s professional journey, however, has not been without setbacks. In the inaugural season of the WPL in 2023, UP Warriorz signed her for ₹10 lakh. However, she struggled to perform at her best, scoring just 29 runs in 9 matches.

She went unsold in the following year’s auction but impressed scouts with her big-hitting skills in the recently concluded T20 Challenger Trophy.