Uncapped Indian cricketer Simran Shaikh made history on Sunday when the 22-year-old batter, hailing from Mumbai's Dharavi, became the Gujarat Giants&rsquo; prized pick for a staggering ₹1.90 crore&mdash;the highest bid for any player this season. Sunday's Women&rsquo;s Premier League (WPL) auction marks a meteoric rise for Simran, who had started her WPL journey two years ago with the UP Warriorz at a base price of ₹10 lakh. Simran's journey, littered as it has been with societal barriers and financial hardships, has been nothing short of extraordinary. She grew up in one of the world&rsquo;s largest slums, one of seven children of wireman Jahid Ali and his wife Akhtari Bano. Her father has been outspoken in that he initially doubted cricket could be a viable career for his daughter. Yet, Simran&rsquo;s passion and persistence won out. Simran dropped out of school after Class 10 to focus entirely on the sport. She endured criticism for playing in public parks but never lost sight of her goals. Her domestic performances for Mumbai, including a standout T20 strike rate of 126.95, caught the eye of scouts early. Known for her versatility, Simran can anchor the top order or provide a late flourish in the middle. These qualities made her an invaluable asset in the competitive WPL market, with Gujarat Giants betting big on her potential this year. From a ₹10 lakh debut to becoming one of the league&rsquo;s most sought-after players, Simran Shaikh embodies resilience, proving that talent and determination can transcend any obstacle. As she gears up for her second WPL season, the cricketing world watches with bated breath, eager to see her next chapter unfold.

She started WPL journey two years ago with the UP Warriorz at a base price of ₹10 lakh

Simran Shaikh: From Dharavi to WPL Stardom

She started WPL journey two years ago with the UP Warriorz at a base price of ₹10 lakh

December 15, 2024 | 16:39 IST