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.'
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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.
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