Indian cricketer Simran Shaikh‘s captivating cricketing journey is one of resilience, determination, and the power of the cricketing universe to transform lives. Coming from a humble background, Dharavi, Mumbai—one of the world’s largest slum—Shaikh’s professional cricketing rise to fame is nothing less than inspiring.
Brought up in a challenging environment, she overcame all odds and followed her dream for cricket. Her hard yards paid off when Gujarat Giants bought her for a staggering ₹1.90 crore in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) Season 3, a moment that marked not just a personal victory but also a testament to how the universe can change lives.
From playing in narrow bylanes with limited resources to becoming one of the most expensive players in the league, Simran’s rise is proof that hard work, discipline, and belief in oneself can turn dreams into reality.
The batter, in a conversation said, “I never expected to earn this much money. I thought I’ll be picked up for 10-20 lakhs, if picked by any team. This came as a pleasant surprise, and I feel proud that my potential was recognised. I have seen tough times and feel glad that I can help my family now.”
Cricket has given her financial security and profound recognition, and a platform to inspire countless young girls who come from underprivileged backgrounds. Her story is a beacon of hope, proving that talent knows no boundaries and that success is possible regardless of where one comes from—what truly matters is the dedication to chase one’s dreams relentlessly.
”I never thought I will play cricket professionally. I didn’t even know that women’s cricket is also played at a professional level. I would play cricket with boys just for enjoyment. My brothers told me that I was a better player than them and must pursue it professionally.
I have broken many windowpanes as well. I would run and neighbors would complain to my parents. But I ignored all that negativity. I never thought I would play cricket professionally. But Zubair, one of my mentors, guided me and I started playing for the United Club in Mumbai. I did not have to look back after that. My parents have made a lot of sacrifices to fulfill my dreams.”
Many young players, especially those from humble backgrounds, face societal challenges, but it is the belief of their well-wishers that acts as a beacon of hope in times of disbelief. They invest not just money but also their emotions, standing by their child through every failure and setback. Eventually, all the hard work pays off when a cricketer steps onto the big stage, living their dream.
“When I started playing club cricket, our financial condition was not good. But my mother spent about $4,000 from her savings to buy a proper cricket kit, which was a lot of money back then. My parents have made a lot of sacrifices to fulfil my dreams, and I hope I can continue to make them proud.
“I feel very emotional when I think of those days. I hope I get to play for India soon. Things are so much better for women cricketers now. When I started playing club cricket, there were just four women cricketers at our club. Now, most clubs have separate women’s teams.”
Behind every successful person who makes it to a pleasurable stage, there’s a strong family that never stopped believing, proving that success is never an individual achievement—it’s a shared and cumulative journey of sacrifices, patience, and relentless dedication.
(Quotes sourced from Times of India)
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