Pakistani footballer Muhammad Riaz turns to selling jalebis to make ends meet amid financial crisis

Muhammad Riaz, once a promising footballer who represented Pakistan in the 2018 Asian Games, now finds himself selling jalebis on the streets to support his family.

Riaz expressed his frustration over the delayed implementation of the prime minister’s directives, which he believes has been disastrous for Pakistani athletes.

"For years, I waited for the promised revival of departmental sports," Riaz lamented. "I was hopeful after the prime minister's announcement, but the delay has 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."

The 29-year-old footballer from Hangu, who also played for K-Electric, criticized the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s ban on departmental sports, calling it a premature and damaging decision.

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

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The situation has sparked outrage among sports officials and analysts. Taimoor Kayani, former advisor to the minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Division (IPC), voiced his disappointment over the government's negligence toward national athletes.

"It is heartbreaking to see a footballer of Riaz’s caliber, who could have been a multimillionaire if he played in Europe, forced to sell jalebis on the streets," Kayani remarked. "This is not just Riaz's tragedy—many other national footballers and hockey players are suffering the same fate."