Mumbai, India: Rising cricket talent Simran Shaikh received a rousing reception in her hometown of Dharavi on Tuesday after emerging as the most expensive player in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 auction. Her family and local community celebrated her remarkable achievement with enthusiasm, marking a milestone moment for the uncapped batter.
The Gujarat Giants secured Simran’s services for a whopping ₹1.9 crore, making her the highest-paid player of the season. This groundbreaking deal followed an intense bidding war between Gujarat Giants and Delhi Capitals, starting at her base price of ₹5 lakh. The Gujarat franchise ultimately triumphed, showcasing their confidence in Simran’s potential.
A Warm Welcome in Dharavi
Dharavi’s streets came alive with joy and pride as locals gathered to celebrate Simran’s arrival. Crackers lit up the sky, and her family members welcomed her with garlands and cheers. Speaking about the emotional moment, Simran expressed her gratitude towards her family and community for their unwavering support.
“In my community, it’s rare to see support for pursuing sports, but my parents always stood by me,” Simran shared. “I’m thankful to the Gujarat Giants for trusting me with such a big opportunity. Now, it’s my responsibility to perform and live up to their expectations.”
Dreams and Inspirations
The young cricketer also opened up about her admiration for Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli. “It’s my dream to meet Virat Kohli someday,” she said. “I want to earn the India jersey, and I’m putting in all my efforts to achieve that goal.”
Simran had already showcased her talent during the inaugural WPL season, representing the Gujarat Giants in nine matches. Her journey has been one of perseverance and dedication, making her a role model for aspiring cricketers.
Gujarat Giants’ Squad for WPL 2025
The Gujarat Giants have built a strong squad for the 2025 season, featuring some of the biggest names in women’s cricket. The team includes Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Harleen Deol, and Laura Wolvaardt, alongside promising talents like Simran Shaikh.
The complete squad for WPL 2025:
Ashleigh Gardner
Beth Mooney
Dayalan Hemalatha
Harleen Deol
Laura Wolvaardt
Shabnam Shakil
Tanuja Kanwer
Phoebe Litchfield
Meghna Singh
Kashvee Gautam
Priya Mishra
Mannat Kashyap
Bharti Fulmali
Sayali Satghare
Deandra Dottin
Simran Shaikh
Danielle Gibson
Prakashika Naik
Looking Ahead
With her record-breaking deal and the support of her franchise, Simran is determined to excel in the upcoming season. Her story is a testament to the power of talent, hard work, and perseverance, inspiring countless young athletes across the nation.
