Flintoff TV show refugee makes Lancs Second XI debut

When Andrew Flintoff cobbled together a group of underprivileged boys in Preston, he was the young Afghan refugee who arrived in the UK in 2021 on the back of a lorry. He later became the star bowler.

He then described his desire to play cricket professionally in England.

After making his Lancashire Second XI debut this week, that dream came a little closer.

Due to one of his final exams, Adnan, now 18, will miss Thursday’s Second XI game against Yorkshire.

He still managed to impress.

He batted at number 10 and took two wickets with his left-arm pace, which he added to by scoring 25 not out with the bat and taking the win with the bat.

The wickets ?

Matthew Revis and Jonny Tattersall, who led Yorkshire last year, both played for the White Rose first team two weeks ago.

Additionally, the Yorkshire XI included Matt Milnes, Will Luxton, and Jafer Chohan, the leg-spinner called up by England last year.

Flintoff has been monitoring things.

He said on Wednesday on social media that “some journeys are longer and harder”. “I’m so proud of this talented young man,” he said.

Adnan expressed happiness on Instagram, adding, “I can’t tell how happy I am.”

“Thank you very much to everyone who has supported and helped me so far in cricket.”

Three people have assisted Adnan the most: Flintoff, Barry, and his partner Elaine Jefferson.

After leaving Afghanistan and traveling alone across Europe, Adnan first sought asylum in a Preston police station.

Elaine referred to the tatty pair of trainers, a belt, and a pair of jeans as he entered the door.

He sat there for a while before losing all ability to speak English. He feared for his life.

His second bid for asylum in the UK was granted in 2022, according to Field of Dreams’ first season.

It was sent after Flintoff submitted the application to the Home Office.

Adnan joined Lancashire’s Under-18 team at Rossall School, a prestigious boarding school in Lancashire.

He is a cricket fan, but Barry remarked, “He needed something different, and we needed to work hard.”

“That’s what he has done exactly,” he said. He has put in a lot of effort.

Adnan’s next goal is the most challenging: obtaining a professional cricket contract once his exams are finished.

Barry remarked, “I think he is good enough, but I may be biased.”