.jpeg)
From Street Cricket to Ranji Glory: Irfan Umair’s Inspiring Journey from Ranchi to Mumbai
Irfan moved to Mumbai in 2017 with his dreams in mind. To make ends meet, he worked various jobs, including waiting tables and working at a sushi restaurant, and whenever he could, he squeezed in training sessions. Even during the most challenging times, cricket remained a constant focus.
From the congested lanes of Ranchi to the big stage of Indian first-class cricket, Irfan Umair's rags-to-riches story is nothing less than inspiring. This pacer, who once did odd jobs for survival in Mumbai, is now playing his Ranji Trophy match for Mumbai against Jammu and Kashmir, a milestone in his record-breaking achievement through the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL).
Irfan relocated to Mumbai in 2017 with his aspirations in tow. He took up miscellaneous jobs, such as waiting tables and working at a sushi place, and whenever possible, he fit in training sessions. Even in the leanest times, cricket was always the focus.
His turning point came in the ISPL Season 2, when he was selected by Falcon Risers Hyderabad. With his tremendous pace and amazing control, Irfan quickly caught everyone's attention. His crowning moment came when he defended 10 runs in a highly stressful final over against the Bangalore Strikers, conceding just three runs, earning him numerous accolades and a spot among the tournament's best players. The ISPL not only provided him a platform to showcase his talent but also brought him financial security and nationwide recognition.
Following his success in the ISPL, Irfan performed exceptionally well in the T20 Mumbai League 2025, consistently performing well. His growing reputation caught the attention of the Mumbai selectors, and he eventually earned a chance to debut in the prestigious Ranji Trophy this season.
Suraj Samat, League Commissioner and Core Committee member of the ISPL, said, "Our mission has always been to discover and nurture grassroots talent from every corner of the country. Irfan's rise from tennis-ball cricket to first-class cricket is a true symbol of the ISPL. His journey is a testament to the hidden talent in India and the power of the right platform. With the launch of Season 3, we are committed to creating even more opportunities for aspiring cricketers and expanding our reach across India."
Irfan's success follows that of another ISPL star player, Abhishek Dalhor, who was selected as a net bowler for the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025 following his impressive all-round performance in the league.
With stories like Irfan and Abhishek's, the ISPL has emerged as a true bridge between tennis-ball cricket and professional cricket in India. The league is set to return with a bigger and bolder Season 3, to be held in Surat from January 9 to February 6, 2026, featuring two new teams and giving more grassroots players the opportunity to advance.
