Muhammad Riaz, a footballer who once represented Pakistan in the 2018 Asian Games, now finds himself standing at a roadside stall in Hangu, making jalebis to survive.
Riaz’s journey—from playing at an international level to battling financial struggles—highlights the grim reality of football in a country where the sport remains in the shadows of cricket. While football thrives globally, in Pakistan, it continues to be an afterthought.
Like many athletes, Riaz lost his livelihood after the ban on departmental sports—a move that was intended to encourage club-based structures but instead left hundreds of athletes unemployed and struggling to make ends meet.
Although Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced the restoration of departmental sports—abolished in 2019 under the PTI government—Riaz remains one of many athletes still waiting for the promised change.
“For years, I waited for the revival of departmental sports,” Riaz shared with the media. “I was hopeful after the prime minister’s announcement, but the delay has been unbearable.”
With no financial support and no foreseeable future in football, Riaz had no choice but to find another way to feed his family.
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“I had to earn an honest living. That’s why I’m here, making jalebis instead of playing football,” Muhammad Riaz added.
In a heartfelt appeal, he passionately called upon the government to revitalize departmental sports.
He posed a stirring question, challenging the authorities to reflect on whether this dismal fate was truly the destiny reserved for our national heroes, those who once brought pride and glory to the nation.
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