Pakistan footballer forced to sell jalebis to meet ends

A Pakistani footballer who represented the nation during the 2018 Asian Games was found selling jalebis at a roadside stall in Hangu (city in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan) after struggling to make ends meet.

Muhammad Riaz's journey from being an international player to facing serious financial hardships sheds light on the harsh reality of athletes well-being where cricket still dominates.

Everything was going good for the 29-year-old footballer before the government imposed a ban on on departmental sports, an initiative designed to promote a club-based model for sports but which ended up losing hundreds of athletes their jobs and financial stability.

“I waited for years for the return of departmental sports,” Riaz told local media. “When the Prime Minister announced the revival, I felt hopeful, but the delay has been unbearable.”

With the financial burden piling up, Riaz was forced to look for other options to support his family.

“I had to find an honest way to make a living, which is why I’m here selling jalebis instead of playing football,” he explained.

After the interview went viral and came to the notice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he issued a cheque of Pakistan Rs2.5 million and also announced a job for the footballer.

Even the Pakistan Football League and KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also announced a cash prize of Rs1 million each.