Pakistani footballer Muhammad Riaz forced to sell 'jalebis' to survive

Muhammad Riaz, once a rising star in Pakistan football who represented the country in the 2018 Asian Games, is now selling jalebis on the streets to support his family.

His story sheds light on the struggles of athletes in Pakistan, who face a lack of support from sports organisations despite promises from the prime minister. Riaz criticised the authorities for failing to revive departmental sports, leaving many players jobless and struggling to make ends meet.

"For years, I waited for the promised revival of departmental sports," Riaz lamented.

He said, "I was hopeful after hearing the prime minister's announcement, but the delay had been unbearable. With no income, I had to find an honest way to provide for my family. That's why I now stand at a street corner, cooking jalebis instead of practising football."

The 29-year-old Riaz, who hails from Hangu and previously played for K-Electric, blamed the former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government for banning departmental sports. He believes the decision was hasty and had a detrimental impact on the sports industry.

"Our society does not prioritise sports. Until that mindset changes, departmental support is crucial for athletes. How can young players be inspired to pursue football when they see a national player like me selling jalebis to survive?" he said.

Muhammad Riaz, however, is not the only disgruntled sportsperson.

Taimoor Kayani, former advisor to the minister for the Inter-Provincial Coordination Division (IPC), expressed his disappointment at how national athletes are being treated.

"It is heartbreaking to see a footballer of Riaz's calibre, who could have been a multimillionaire if he played in Europe, but here he was forced to sell jalebis on the streets," said Kayani.

"This is not just Riaz's tragedy; many other national footballers and hockey players are suffering the same fate."

Kayani urged the government to take action and remove officials who failed to fulfill their commitments. He stressed the importance of reinstating Pakistan's top athletes in their respective sports instead of leaving them to struggle financially.

Pakistan’s football community now looks to the authorities, hoping they will amke a move before more players are forced to abandon the sport and struggle for survival.