Pakistan’s sporting history is littered with wasted talents, athletes who never reached their potential due to the financial strain that comes with pursuing a career in sports in this country. Muhammad Riaz has sadly become the latest entry on that list. Once hailed as one of Pakistan’s brightest footballing prospects, Riaz now finds himself selling jalebis on the streets to make ends meet—a heartbreaking turn that reflects the harsh realities faced by athletes in a system where promises of sports revival remain unfulfilled.
Muhammad Riaz, who made his mark representing Pakistan at the 2018 Asian Games, has now become a symbol of the neglect and abandonment that continues to plague the country’s sporting infrastructure. Full of hope when he first heard the prime minister’s commitment to revitalizing sports, the 29-year-old’s dreams have withered away, replaced by years of unfulfilled expectations and broken promises.
“For years, I waited for the promised revival of departmental sports,” Muhammad Riaz lamented, his voice thick with frustration. “I was hopeful after hearing the prime minister’s announcement, but the delay had been unbearable. With no income, I had no choice but 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.”
Riaz’s story isn’t just a personal tragedy—it’s a reflection of the broader systemic failure that continues to plague Pakistan’s sports sector. Once a player for K-Electric and a hopeful international representative, Riaz now finds himself questioning the future of Pakistan’s athletes.
The failure to revive departmental sports, particularly after the controversial ban imposed by the previous government, has left countless athletes like Riaz in a state of limbo. Without proper support and funding for national teams, many have been forced to abandon their dreams in search of alternative livelihoods.
“Our society does not prioritize sports,” Muhammad Riaz continued, his sadness evident. “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?”
The situation has sparked outrage within the sports community, with analysts and officials calling for immediate action. Taimoor Kayani, former advisor to the Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination Division (IPC), has urged the prime minister to step in and ensure that the promises made to athletes are honored. “We cannot allow this to continue,” Kayani emphasized, calling for the removal of those who have failed to implement the necessary reforms.
Now, Pakistan’s football community, along with fans and supporters, watches anxiously, hoping that the government will take swift action to ensure that its sporting heroes are not relegated to the streets. Muhammad Riaz’s fall from grace serves as a painful reminder of how fragile the dreams of athletes can be in a system that fails to prioritize them.
The pressing question remains: will Pakistan rise to the occasion, or will more national talents be driven from the field and into the streets?