Latest news with #Lancashire2ndXI
Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Freddie Flintoff 'so proud' as refugee star of hit BBC show makes cricket debut
Stars of the 'Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams' TV show are making strides in cricket and one of the ex-England all-rounder's proteges, Adnan Miakhel, reached a big milestone Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff has spoken of his pride at watching Adnan Miakhel make his debut for Lancashire's second string. Afghan refugee Miakhel, 18, starred in the 'Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams' show and supported the teenager's asylum claim. Miakhel saw an initial asylum appeal rejected after his appearance on the reality show, which saw former England star Flintoff attempt to build a cricket team consisting of disadvantaged youngsters from his home county of Lancashire. However, Flintoff was among those to back an appeal which eventually saw the youngster given a chance to remain in the UK. "Finally, maybe [fellow Field of Dreams star] Sean will get a game soon too," Flintoff wrote on social media in response to a photo of Miakhel being presented with his Lancashire 2nd XI cap. "Some journeys are longer and harder I'm so proud of this fine young man." A number of fans shared their own messages of support in the comments. "Good luck Adnan, a top lad as we're all of the others. A great series," wrote one. "Proud of you, Freddie! Bet Sean's chuffed too, what a lad," was the reply from a second. "Brilliant. Gives every young player hope and inspiration. Especially if you're not from the elite school background," wrote a third. Miakhel finished on 25 not out as Lancashire's second string were bowled out for 159 in their first innings. He also took a pair of wickets as Yorkshire's second XI opened up a healthy lead, claiming the wicket of Jonny Tattersall early on and later dismissing Matt Revis after the 23-year-old recorded a century. "I can't tell how much I'm happy. Today was my Lancashire 2nd XI debut against Yorkshire 2nd XI and I have been given the debut by Lancashire legend Steve Croft sir," Miakhel wrote on social media. "Thank you very much to anyone that helped me and support me in my cricketing journey so far thank you " Rossall School in Fleetwood, where Miakhel studied with a scholarship, also shared a message congratulating him. "Amazing to see current Y13 and 1XI cricket Captain Adnan M being presented with his 2XI cap as he made his debut against Yorkshire," a social media post read. 'It is fantastic to see all of the hard work Adnan has put in paying off and we wish him all the success in the future with @lancscricket.' The teenager joined a local cricket team with the support of foster parents Barry and Elaine. As part of the second season of the Field of Dreams show, he joined his team-mates and mentor Flintoff on a tour of India. "It's always been a simple dream of mine to play cricket, professionally but I also want to continue with my studies as well," he said back in September. "I'd love to do more filming as well, especially with my Field of Dreams family. "Since the first series of Field of Dreams, I have always had great feedback all along. The second series, the feedback was even better, really brilliant."
Daily Mirror
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Afghan refugee who starred in Freddie Flintoff show makes stunning county debut
Afghan refugee Adnan Miakhel has made a remarkable county cricket debut two years after striking up an unlikely friendship with Freddie Flintoff. The 18-year-old starred in the former England man's Field of Dreams documentary back in 2022. Flintoff was among those to write an appeal after Miakhel's application for asylum was rejected. And that decision was eventually reversed, while the youngster shone for Flintoff's team during a tour of India. Speaking at the time, he said: 'It's always been a simple dream of mine to play cricket, professionally but I also want to continue with my studies as well. I'd love to do more filming as well, especially with my Field of Dreams family. 'Since the first series of Field of Dreams, I have always had great feedback all along. The second series, the feedback was even better, really brilliant.' And it appears that Miakhel's wish of standing at the crease has come true after appearing for Lancashire County Cricket' s second side in a friendly against Yorkshire seconds over the past week. A tweet from the club read: 'Congratulations to Adnan Miakhel on making his Lancashire 2nd XI debut against Yorkshire yesterday. Adnan was presented with his 2nd XI cap by Steven Croft at Northern CC.' That post was accompanied by a picture of Miahkel receiving his memorable cap. And it ended up being a productive debut for the Field of Dreams star as he racked up 25 runs from 31 balls, as well as taking a wicket. His foster mum Elaine has regularly hailed Miakhel for his kindness and dedication. She said: 'We are so hugely proud of him in everything that he has done. He gives back so much to the whole family and he works so hard. We love him and are so proud of him.' Who will win the 2025 County Championship? Share your predictions in the comments below Elsewhere, Miakhel has also spoken out on Flintoff's accident during Top Gear filming that left him hospitalised with serious facial injuries. He said: 'It was really good filming the show and I really enjoyed it. 'It was horrible to hear about Freddie's accident and I was so happy to see him again. I couldn't believe that he was really in front of me as the accident was so horrible. I am so relieved.' Mikhael will certainly be aiming to make more of an impression as the new 2025 county cricket season comes into view. Lancashire seconds will open up their campaign against Nottinghamshire on May 14. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
