Afshan Ashiq ahead of a match at St Andrew's Turf Park in Bandra West. Pic/Sneha Kharabe

At St Andrew's Turf Park in Bandra West, evenings, Monday to Friday, are reserved for the hundred-odd passionate footballers who throng the space to compete at the two season-old Roots Premier League (RPL). Among them, is 23-year-old Afshan Ashiq. At 5'9", Afshan is a delight to watch on field. Playing for Demelition Squad, the team owned by South African model and now a Mumbaikar, Gabriella Demetriades, Afshan is in a league of her own. But unlike most, who leave their homes in search for better prospects, Afshan hadn't dreamt of leaving her home in Srinagar. She had to.