Imagine representing your country on an international stage, wearing the national jersey with pride, and making countless sacrifices for your passion. Now, imagine being forgotten, struggling to make ends meet, and selling jalebis on the street just to survive.
This is the heartbreaking reality of Muhammad Riaz, a former Pakistan footballer who played in the 2018 Asian Games but now stands on a street corner in Hangu, cooking jalebis instead of chasing footballs.
Riaz, once a key player for K-Electric, recently shared his story in a tearful video that has gone viral on social media. His words reflect the frustration and disappointment of an athlete abandoned by the very system he once represented.
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“For years, I waited for the promised revival of departmental sports,” Riaz lamented.
“I was hopeful after hearing the prime minister’s announcement [about the revival of departments], 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 practicing football.”
Pakistan’s Football Crisis: 8 Years Without a League
The biggest question is—how did it come to this? The answer lies in the collapse of Pakistan’s football structure. The country has not hosted a proper football league in the last eight years. Despite being one of the most popular sports globally, football in Pakistan remains an afterthought.
Muhammad Riaz, like many other athletes, was left jobless after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government banned departmental sports. This move, which was meant to encourage club-based systems, instead left hundreds of athletes in limbo with no financial security.
“Our society does not prioritise sports. Until that mindset changes, departmental support is crucial for athletes,” Riaz pointed out.
“How can young players be inspired to pursue football when they see a national player like me selling jalebis to survive?”
His words hit hard. How can a country that cheers for global football stars ignore its own talented players?
Will the Government Step Up?
Riaz’s story is not an isolated one. Countless national athletes, particularly in football and hockey, have faced similar struggles. There have been repeated assurances from the government about reviving departmental sports, but little has been done to turn those words into action.
His story has sparked outrage on social media, with fans demanding the government take immediate action. The calls for restoring departmental sports and supporting struggling athletes are growing louder by the day.
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It’s time for authorities to realize that national heroes like Muhammad Riaz deserve better. They should not have to choose between their passion and survival.
The government must act—not just with promises but with real solutions—to ensure that future generations do not suffer the same fate as Riaz and many others like him.
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