Bachpan mein pata bhi nahi tha ki women’s cricket bhi hota hai: Simran Shaikh

Simran Shaikh, who represented Gujarat Giants in a recently concluded women’s cricket league, hit the headlines last year when she landed a ₹1.9 crore deal during the auctions. Simran, whose father is an electrician, hails from a modest financial background. The talented batter, who was in Vadodara recently, tells us, “I never expected to earn this much money. Maine socha tha ki 10-20 lakh mil jayega shayad, if any team picks me. This came as a pleasant surprise and I feel proud that my potential was recognised. I have seen tough times and feel glad that I can help my family now.” Excerpts from a chat:

Bachpan mein toh mujhe pata bhi nahi tha ki women’s cricket bhi hota hai. I would play cricket with boys just for enjoyment. My brothers told me that I was a better player than them and must pursue it professionally. Usstimepe maine kaafiwindowpanes bhi tode hai (laughs). Main bhaag jaati thi and neighbours would complain to my parents. Log gaali bhi dete thay and said nasty things about women playing cricket. But I ignored all that negativity. I never thought I would play cricket professionally. But Zubair bhai, one of my mentors, guided me and I started playing for the United Club in Mumbai. I did not have to look back after that.

When I started playing club cricket, our financial condition was not good. But my mother spent about ₹4,000 from her savings to buy a proper cricket kit, which was a lot of money back then. My parents have made a lot of sacrifices to fulfil my dreams and I hope I can continue to make them proud. I feel very emotional when I think of those days. I hope I get to play for India soon. Things are so much better for women cricketers now. When I started playing club cricket, there were just four women cricketers at our club. Now, most clubs have separate women’s teams.”