From the slums of Dharavi to the world of cricket: Simran hits obstacles out of the park!
This year’s Women’s Premier League (WPL) has been dominated by one name – Simran Shaikh. The all-rounder from Mumbai made headlines when she was bought by the Gujarat Giants for a staggering ₹1.90 crore, the highest bid in WPL mini auction so far.
Simran is now living the dream she once envisioned as a young girl. It is the wings of talent and determination that have lifted this young woman to new heights. Born and raised in Dharavi, one of the largest slums in Asia, Simran’s journey has been one of perseverance against all odds. Her father, Jahid Ali, works as an electrician, while her mother is Akhtari Banu. Simran is one of the nine children of the couple. She is the third among them, and the family lived in a modest two-room home in Dharavi.
Simran’s love for cricket began at an early age. She played with boys on the narrow lanes of Dharavi, hitting balls with a bat and celebrating the game she loved. At 15, she realised that cricket was her calling, and without hesitation, she decided to pursue it further, even dropping out of school after the 10th grade to focus on the sport.
Her decision to play cricket in a male-dominated environment came with its share of ridicule and criticism. "Our neighbours always used to scold her, saying, 'She's a girl, why is she playing cricket? She should be focusing on household chores,'" her father, Jahidh Ali, recalled. "Today, those same people are proud of her achievements."
Despite facing financial hardships, Simran’s family stood by her unwaveringly, offering support through every challenge. The most significant help came from her mother, Akhtari Banu, who provided ₹30,000 for her first cricket kit. "We had to cut back on all other expenses to manage that amount. It was difficult, but we believed in her potential," said Akhtari Banu.
Simran's breakthrough moment came when she joined the United Cricket Club in Mumbai, marking a turning point in her career. Her impressive performances in local league matches quickly earned her a spot in the Mumbai Under-19 Women’s Team. It was her stellar performances that led to her entry into the 2023 WPL season, where she was bought by the UP Warriorz for ₹10 lakh. However, the season didn’t go as planned for Simran, as she managed only 29 runs across nine matches.
Going into the second season, no teams seemed interested in purchasing her, but 2025 proved to be a game-changer. In an unexpected turn, Gujarat Giants signed Simran for a record fee, leaving everyone in shock. Now, all eyes are on her as she prepares to showcase her talent in the 2025 season of the WPL.
Simran Shaikh’s journey has become an inspiration for many, turning her name into a symbol of hope and a reminder that dreams can come true, no matter where they begin.