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| Simran Shaikh Indian Woman Cricketer Image By News Lines |
Mumbai, Dec 17 (Tamsil Shahezad Khan) - In a remarkable story of perseverance and passion, Simran Shaikh, a 22-year-old cricketer from Dharavi, Mumbai's largest slum, has secured a groundbreaking 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 defied odds and silenced critics who once doubted her cricket ambitions. Her mother revealed the emotional journey, recounting how Simran remained steadfast in her pursuit of cricket despite repeated warnings and discouragement.
"Everyone used to say, 'You should tell her to stop'," Simran's mother told IANS. "But she would ignore everyone and stay lost in her cricket world." Her unwavering dedication has now transformed into a moment of triumph for her family.
Coming from a large family of eleven, cramped in a 10x16 room in Dharavi, Simran's success represents more than just a personal achievement. Her father, Zahid Ali, expressed overwhelming joy, saying, "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's cricket journey has been marked by consistent improvement. After being acquired by UP Warriorz in the inaugural WPL auction at her base price of Rs 10 lakh, she has significantly enhanced her performance. In the recent Senior Women's T20 Trophy, she scored 176 runs at a strike rate of 100.57, and in the T20 Challenger Trophy, she demonstrated her explosive batting by scoring 40 runs at an incredible strike rate of 202.50.
Her remarkable performances with Mumbai and India E teams, where she played pivotal roles in clinching titles, caught the attention of WPL franchises. The Gujarat Giants' mega-deal is a testament to her potential and hard work.
Zahid Ali is already contemplating improving the family's living conditions, hoping to purchase a flat that would provide a better setup for his children.
Simran's journey from Dharavi to the WPL spotlight is a powerful narrative of determination, skill, and the ability to break through socio-economic barriers in Indian cricket.
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Cricket