Ranji Trophy 2025: From Sleeping at Railway Stations to Mumbai Team Debut — Irfan Umair's Inspiring Journey

Left-arm fast bowler Irfan Umair from Ranchi has turned his long struggle into success, making his Ranji Trophy debut for Mumbai on October 15th against Jammu and Kashmir. His journey to professional cricket is a testament to resilience, hard work, and unwavering determination.

Struggle and Survival in Mumbai

Irfan moved to Mumbai in 2017 with a dream of becoming a professional cricketer and just ₹5,500 in his pocket. He faced extreme hardship during his early years: living in a single-room slum with 12 people, working as a waiter and in catering, and even sleeping at the railway station when his landlord evicted him. To survive, he learned to make sushi in a local Bandra restaurant.

“Getting to Mumbai wasn’t the problem, it was feeding myself,” Irfan told The Indian Express. He worked double shifts in catering, earning just ₹300 per day, and struggled to pay ₹8,000 to an agent who helped him get his documents.

Late Start but Strong Resolve

Irfan focused on cricket seriously only at age 17. His parents were initially reluctant, imposing the condition that he pass his 10th-grade exams. With the help of his uncle, he convinced his family that cricket was a viable career option.

Once in Mumbai, he met coach Prashant Shetty, who introduced him to MIG Club in Bandra East. However, navigating Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) rules was challenging; outsiders needed at least one year of residence to register, which he fulfilled through sheer determination.

Tennis-Ball Cricket Breakthrough

During the pandemic, with professional opportunities limited, Irfan excelled in tennis-ball cricket, gaining attention in local circuits. He eventually played in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) for Falcon Risers Hyderabad, earning ₹1.6 million, which allowed him to finally focus solely on cricket and move away from kitchen work.

Mumbai Ranji Debut

After eight years of struggle, Irfan’s perseverance paid off as he represented Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, realizing his dream of playing first-class cricket. His story — from hardship, catering shifts, and railway station nights to professional cricket — is a shining example of determination and resilience in Indian sports.