Mumbai, Dec 17 - In a remarkable triumph of determination and talent, Simran Shaikh, a 22-year-old cricketer from Dharavi, Mumbai's largest slum, has secured a stunning Rs 1.9 crore contract with the Gujarat Giants in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 mini-auction.
The daughter of an electrician, Simran has shattered expectations and emerged as the most expensive uncapped Indian player in the tournament. Her journey from a cramped 10x16 room in Dharavi to the national cricket spotlight is a testament to her unwavering passion and commitment to the sport.
Simran's mother revealed the family's initial struggles with her cricket ambitions. "Everyone used to say, 'You should tell her to stop'. I would try to make her understand, but she would ignore everyone and stay lost in her cricket world," she told IANS.
The young batter's recent performances have been nothing short of exceptional. In the Senior Women's T20 Trophy, she scored 176 runs at a strike rate of 100.57, and in the T20 Challenger Trophy, she struck an impressive 202.50 strike rate, hammering seven sixes and six fours in just 40 balls.
Her father, Zahid Ali, expressed immense pride, saying, "The entire family was very happy; there were tears of joy in everyone's eyes. It is such a wonderful thing when the daughter of the house achieves great heights."
Simran, the third of seven children, has been a member of the Mumbai and India E teams that recently clinched titles in the Senior Women's T20 Trophy and Challenger Trophy. Her journey from being acquired at a base price of Rs 10 lakh by UP Warriorz in the inaugural WPL to becoming a multi-crore player is a powerful narrative of perseverance and talent.
With plans to improve their lifestyle, Simran's father is now considering purchasing a flat, inspired by his daughter's incredible achievement.
Simran's story is not just about cricket, but about breaking barriers, challenging societal expectations, and proving that talent knows no boundaries.
