During the WPL 2025 auction, Simran Banu Shaikh became the costliest player in the hand of nine club teams. She was picked for Rs 1.9 crore by the Gujarat Giants on Sunday in Bengaluru. The 23-year-old, daughter of an electrician from Dharavi in Mumbai, is now the second-costliest player ever in WPL history after Kashvee Gautam, who went for Rs 2 crore in the 2024 edition.
Joy in the Community
People in her neighbourhood, which is Asia’s largest slum, are elated over Simran’s big win. Celebration was held by so many, since her family and relatives had scolded her while playing ting cricket, calling it a “boys’ game.” Simran was on the radar of the Gujarat Giants and Delhi Capitals, who were seen in bidding battle at the auction but the Giants eventually got him for a steal.
Coach’s Confidence in Simran
Gujarat Giants coach Michael Klinger said that was the reason the team made a bid for Simran that others could not match. He said both the Indian pacer Simran and West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin were direct targets for the team’s strategy in the next season. “I watched domestic tournaments in India and Simran’s ability to clear the ropes was something we needed,” Klinger said. “Simran stands out among other Indian players when it comes to her hitting power and strike rate,” he said. With her ability to hit big shots, she can be one of our best players.”
Simran’s journey in cricket has featured peaks and valleys. She was part of UP Warriors in the inaugural edition of the WPL but had a poor showing there, managing just 29 runs in 9 matches, with her highest score being 11. In the following edition, she went unsold. But she did extremely well in the ongoing Senior women’s T20 Trophy. She scored 176 runs, highest score 47, in 11 matches. 22 years old Simran Banu Shaikh, a right-handed middle-order batter from Mumbai, is now set for her WPL debut with Gujarat Giants.
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