By Dr. Sameera Aziz
JEDDAH – In an era where Saudi Arabian women are rewriting their destinies through empowerment and opportunity, it gives me immense pride—as a journalist, author, and witness to social evolution—to spotlight one such inspiring figure: Simrah Shahed Khan. Born in 2009, this young cricketer is just 16 years old and already a beacon of passion, discipline, and determination in the world of sports.
My journey in the media began at a time when women in Saudi Arabia had little to no presence in decision-making roles within the media landscape. As a pioneer working against the grain, I vividly remember how my ambitions were met with skepticism rather than support. Cricket was my favorite leisure activity, and in those early days—when I first led a female cricket team—encouragement was a rare commodity. Those were difficult times, when just dreaming of professional involvement for women in public life felt like a rebellion. But then came Vision 2030, and life began to change. The Saudi government’s strategic reforms ushered in a new era of inclusion and inspiration.
Today, I see young girls fearlessly entering sports fields—including cricket—and my heart fills with joy. One of the brightest stars among them is Simrah Shahed Khan, a technically sound right-handed opening batswoman and right-arm medium pacer. She plays with such elegance and commitment that it’s hard to believe she has only been playing cricket seriously for the past three years.
Simrah is not just a player; she is a phenomenon in the making. I first met her when she came to see my book The Syntax of Cricket, a publication I wrote after rekindling my own long-suppressed love for the game. She brought along her gold medal—a symbolic and proud representation of her achievements. But it was her performance on the field that truly awakened the cricketer inside me. Watching Simrah bat with fearlessness and bowl with precision reminded me why I fell in love with the game in the first place.
She is currently based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and represents the best of both her Indian heritage and Saudi upbringing. Simrah has already represented Saudi Arabia at the 2024 Saudi Olympic Games and has been a valuable player in international tournaments, including the Saudi Arabia vs. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia vs. Qatar series. She trains at one of Jeddah’s most reputed cricket academies under her father’s coaching, where her commitment to the sport knows no bounds. Day or night, summer or winter—nothing distracts Simrah from her goal. Cricket isn’t just her hobby—it’s her heartbeat.
What truly impresses me is her fielding. With the reflexes of a leopard and the fearlessness of a warrior, Simrah dives to save every ball as though her life depends on it. She shows no hesitation in throwing herself into risky catches or difficult run-outs. Watching her reminds me of the great fielders on the international stage—poised, agile, and intuitive.
A significant part of Simrah’s journey is credited to her father, a former cricketer himself and a passionate coach. He is what I lovingly call a “cricket social worker.” Without charging a single riyal, he trains dozens of young girls, believing that every daughter deserves the same opportunity as his own. When he recognized Simrah’s God-gifted talent, he didn’t hesitate because she was a girl—instead, he doubled down and made sure she received the right training, attention, and encouragement. This kind of progressive parenting in a traditionally conservative society is not only rare but exemplary. The fruits of his labor are visible every time Simrah walks onto the pitch and commands it like a professional far beyond her age.
As for me, my own passion for cricket took a backseat years ago. With young children, a demanding journalism career, and societal discouragement, I had shelved my dreams. But as life evolved—and with it, the opportunities for women—so did my capacity to re-engage with my passions. I completed my PhD, transitioned from a journalism job to running my own media businesses, and began reclaiming the time I had once sacrificed. Watching Simrah play reignited that spark, pushing me to return to the cricketing world.
Simrah Shahed Khan deserves recognition not just because she plays well, but because she represents a new era in Saudi sports—where young girls can dream and dare, and where dreams are not dismissed but nurtured. As someone who has lived through both the resistance and the revolution, I can confidently say that Simrah is one of the many gifts of Vision 2030.
Good luck, Simrah. You are not just playing for yourself—you are playing for all the young girls who will now believe that cricket fields belong to them too.
Dr. Sameera Aziz, PhD in Mass Media, is a senior Saudi journalist, author, poet, cricket enthusiast, and cross-cultural commentator based in Jeddah. A pioneer of female journalism in Saudi Arabia, she is a strong advocate of Vision 2030.
