Mumbai

Uncapped batter Simran Shaikh on Tuesday said that she wants to play for the Indian women's cricket team and work hard for it.

Simran made headlines as Gujarat Giants broke the bank to acquire her for Rs 1.9 crore during the WPL 2025 auction, making her the most expensive player of the upcoming season of the Women's Premier League (WPL).

Earlier in the day, Simran received a grand welcome from her family and locals in Dharavi after she became the most expensive buy at the WPL 2025 auction.

Speaking to the reporters, Simran said that she's feeling very happy and proud of herself after becoming the most expensive player of the upcoming season.

"I am feeling very happy and proud...I worked hard a lot and believed in myself...I want to play for India and will work hard for it...The family supported me a lot...,"  Simran said.

Simran's father Jahid Ali Shaikh thanked everyone for supporting her. He added that the uncapped batter has made everyone proud.

"I thank everyone for supporting her and I am feeling very good. She has made everyone proud..." Jahid Ali Shaikh told reporters.

Simran Shaikh's mother Akhtari Bano Shaikh said that she's feeling very proud of her daughter.

"I am feeling very good. She received a very good welcome from everyone," Akhtari Bano Shaikh told reporters.

Earlier in the WPL 2025 auction, a fierce bidding war between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants ensued for the uncapped batter. Starting with a base price of Rs 5 lakh, Simran was eventually signed by the Gujarat-based franchise for a staggering Rs 1.9 crore.

Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Simran shared her aspirations and admiration for Virat Kohli. "My dream is to meet Virat Kohli once. I just want an India jersey, and that's why I'm putting in all this effort," she said.

Reflecting on her journey, Simran acknowledged the support of her family and her determination to justify the franchise's faith. "I thank the GG (Gujarat Giants) family. After receiving such a huge amount, it's now my responsibility to perform for them. I thank my parents because, in my community, there isn't much support for such things, but they have always stood by me," she added.

'She paid no heed to naysayers', says Dharavi girl's mother after Simran Shaikh bags WPL mega-deal

Speaking to IANS, Simran's mother revealed that her family members had "jumped with excitement" as soon as Simran's name came up for auction. She further said Simran paid no heed to the naysayers who had commented on her taking up cricket and was fully dedicated to her game.

"Everyone used to say, 'You should tell her to stop'. I would try to make her understand, saying, 'Don’t do this, people talk badly about us, and it doesn’t feel good. If not for yourself, at least think about your mother'. But she would ignore everyone and stay lost in her cricket world."

"Now that she has reached this position, everyone speaks highly of her, which makes us feel proud too," she added.

Simran is the third of seven children, four sisters and three brothers, and lives with her family of eleven people in a 10x16 room in Asia's biggest slum in Mumbai.

Simran's father, Zahid Ali said, "he is thinking of getting a flat to improve their lifestyle and provide a good setup for his children."

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Speaking about Simran's huge deal, Zahid said, "The entire family was very happy; there were tears of joy in everyone's eyes. It is such a wonderful thing when the daughter of the house achieves great heights, it becomes a joyous occasion to celebrate for the whole family."