Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj has officially stepped into the restaurant business, joining a growing list of cricketers-turned-entrepreneurs. The Hyderabad-born fast bowler has opened a premium dining establishment named Joharfa, located in the central part of his hometown Hyderabad.
The newly launched restaurant boasts an extensive menu that blends Mughlai, Persian, Arabian, and Chinese influences. According to Siraj, the venture is more than just a business move; it’s a tribute to the city that shaped his identity. “Joharfa is very close to my heart. Hyderabad gave me my identity, and this restaurant is my way of giving something back to a place where people can come together, share a meal, and enjoy flavours that feel like home,” he said in a press statement.
The kitchen is helmed by an experienced team of chefs, who bring authentic cooking techniques and the freshest ingredients, aiming to provide patrons with an elevated culinary experience.
Siraj follows in the footsteps of several Indian cricket stars who have pursued food and beverage ventures. Virat Kohli owns two successful establishments — Nueva in Delhi, known for its South American and vegan offerings, and the One8 Commune franchise, with branches in major cities including Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.
Check out Siraj’s restaurant here:
Zaheer Khan entered the restaurant space in 2005 with Dine Fine in Pune, later expanding with Toss Sports Lounge, offering continental and Asian fare. Legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev opened Elevens in Patna in 2008, a cricket-themed spot serving Indian, Pan-Asian, and global cuisine. Ravindra Jadeja has operated Jaddu’s Food Field in Rajkot since 2012, a vegetarian, multi-cuisine eatery decorated with cricket memorabilia. In 2023, Suresh Raina opened Raina Indian Restaurant in Amsterdam, bringing Indian flavours to a global audience.
About Siraj’s career
Siraj began his professional journey in 2015 with a first-class appearance for Hyderabad. His domestic performances earned him an IPL contract with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2017, before he made a successful switch to Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he emerged as a dependable fast bowler.
Internationally, Siraj made his T20I debut in 2017, followed by appearances in both the ODI and Test formats. Currently, he is touring England with the Indian squad for a five-match Test series. India lost the opening game, and Siraj is expected to play a key role in the team’s strategy for the remainder of the series.
Now among the top-earning players in the country, Siraj was selected by the Gujarat Titans for Rs 12.25 crore for the 2025 IPL season. Additionally, he holds a Grade A contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which brings in Rs 5 crore annually.