Simran Shaikh’s journey from Dharavi slums to professional cricket inspires everyone. The young cricketer faced incredible challenges growing up in Mumbai’s toughest neighborhood. Her father believed in her dreams when society said girls shouldn’t play.
Last year, she became one of the most expensive players ever. But the WPL 2026 auction brought a completely different story this time. Simran Shaikh’s auction experience shows how quickly things can change in cricket.
Her WPL Price Drop
UP Warriorz grabbed Simran Shaikh for just Rs 10 lakh this year. Her salary stayed at the base amount during the entire bidding process. That’s a massive drop from the Rs 1.90 crore Gujarat Giants paid.
The money difference between 2025 and 2026 is absolutely shocking honestly. She went from being a marquee signing to a minimum bid. Her recent form probably influenced franchises to hold back their wallets tightly.
Such salary drops happen when players struggle to deliver consistently at the level. The amount reflects the current market value rather than the past auction hype created. She’ll need to rebuild her reputation through performances in the next season.
UP Warriorz WPL Team Addition
Simran Shaikh switches to the UP Warriorz WPL team for a fresh start in 2026. Gujarat Giants decided not to retain her after a disappointing previous season. The side change gives her a chance to prove herself again.
UP Warriorz took a low-risk gamble at the base price for her. The WPL team gets someone who’s tasted big-stage cricket before. Her experience with Gujarat might help her settle quickly into the new setup.
The franchise wants players hungry to redeem themselves after the setbacks they faced. She fits that description perfectly after her humbling auction experience. UP’s management believes a change of environment could revive her career path.
Inspirational Background Story
Simran Shaikh grew up in Dharavi facing poverty and societal pressures constantly. Muslim girls playing cricket weren’t accepted in her community back then. Her father stood by her when everyone else discouraged her dreams.
She battled expectations to marry early and abandon cricket completely for family. Her 2025 auction success changed her family’s life overnight with the money earned. That Rs 1.90 crore deal promised better living conditions for everyone.
Now she must prove that the breakthrough wasn’t just a lucky one-time thing. The WPL gives her another platform to show her real talent.
