Muhammad Riaz, a standout talent at the 2018 Asian Games, once proudly represented Pakistan on the football field.
Muhammad Riaz, 29, from Hangu sells jalebis on the streets to support his family. This stark shift underscores a deeper issue: Pakistan’s sports crisis. Despite the prime minister’s promises to revive departmental sports, delays have left athletes like Riaz struggling. “I waited years for change,” he said. “With no income, I had to find an honest living.”
Quite sad to see former 🇵🇰 International Riaz selling jalebis to make ends meet
Riaz was one of 🇵🇰's most talented players in the 2010's
I hope the new incoming PFF makes it a priority to relaunch the domestic structure, the last 10 years were horrible for the players pic.twitter.com/UAKAePK7m9
— Shahrukh Sohail (@shahrukhsohail7) March 9, 2025Riaz, who also played for K-Electric, blames the former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s ban on departmental sports. He calls it a premature move that crippled the industry. “Our society doesn’t value sports,” he explained. “Without departmental support, how can young players chase their dreams when they see me selling jalebis?” His story reflects a broader neglect of Pakistan’s athletic talent.
Mr, @CMShehbaz,
PM of 🇵🇰,
Mohammad Riaz, football "int’l Star," now making jalebis. Your job restoration promise? Total publicity stunt. Shocker. Care to explain? pic.twitter.com/giBDikpiJ3
— Shoaib Jatt (@Shoaib_Jatt) March 9, 2025Sports officials are sounding the alarm. Taimoor Kayani, a former Inter Provincial Coordination Division advisor, called Riaz’s fate “heartbreaking.” “He could’ve been a millionaire in Europe,” Kayani noted. “Instead, he’s on the streets—along with other footballers and hockey players.” Kayani urges the prime minister to act fast, remove those stalling progress, and restore support for athletes.
The football community waits anxiously. Riaz’s journey from stadium to street corner is a wake-up call. Pakistan risks losing more national heroes to the same fate without swift action. The government’s next move could decide whether athletes return to the field or fade into obscurity.
