Simran Shaikh: From Dharavi To Most Expensive Buy Of WPL 2025
Simran Shaikh, a 22-year-old cricketer from Dharavi, Mumbai, has scripted an inspiring tale by being snapped up by Gujarat Giants for a staggering Rs 1.9 crore at the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 auction. Hailing from Asia’s largest slum, Simran’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and belief in her dreams, and also marks the fight against social norms that limits women from participating in sports.
Her father, a wireman with a meagre salary stood behind her struggles, and now the family of eleven is planning to move in to a larger house.
Once discouraged by neighbours who questioned her playing cricket alongside boys, Simran’s father, Jahid Ali, stood firm against the scepticism. “People would say, ‘Yeh ladki, ladkon ke saath khelti hai’ (She plays with boys), but my father never stopped me. Today, the same people are here to congratulate us,” Simran told Indian Express. Her story is a testament to her father’s unwavering support and her family’s sacrifices, including surviving in a cramped two-room home shared by all.
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Expressing her gratitude, Simran said, “I thank Gujarat Giants for showing faith in me. It’s now my responsibility to perform. I also thank my parents, who supported me in a community where such aspirations are not common. My dream is to don the India jersey and meet Virat Kohli one day.”
Simran’s windfall comes after her release from UP Warriorz following a lacklustre WPL 2023, where she managed just 29 runs in nine matches. Undeterred, she worked tirelessly on her game, improving her strike rate and showcasing her explosive batting power. In the recent T20 Challenger Trophy, Simran displayed her prowess by smashing seven sixes and six fours in just 40 balls, boasting a strike rate of 202.50.
Gujarat Giants’ head coach Michael Klinger praised her six-hitting abilities and fielding skills. “We have been monitoring her progress. She has improved her strike rate, and her ability to play big shots under pressure is exactly what we need in our top 6 or 7,” he noted.
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Simran is now the second-highest paid uncapped player after Kashvee Gautam’s ₹2 crore deal last year. Her success reflects the rising prominence of uncapped Indian players, who outshone international stars in the auction.
Looking ahead, Simran remains focused on her goal: “People know Dharavi as a slum, but I want to give it a good name.
My hope is that many more cricketers from Dharavi will rise to success.” For Simran, the journey has only just begun as she eyes a spot in the Indian national team and dreams of a brighter future for her family.
