Flintoff TV show teen takes next step in remarkable cricket journey with Lancashire Second XI appearance
He was the quietly determined teenager with a lightning left arm and a story that brought a lump to the throat.
Back in 2021, Adnan arrived in the UK hidden in the back of a lorry. A refugee from Afghanistan, alone, frightened and unable to speak a word of English, he walked into a police station in Preston and asked for asylum. Just a year later, he was the standout bowler on Flintoff’s inspirational TV project that pulled together a group of disadvantaged lads, many of whom had never picked up a bat or ball.
Now, at 18, Adnan has taken a major step toward making his dream come true—he’s just made his debut for Lancashire’s Second XI.
From Lorry to Lancashire: The Journey of a Lifetime
The scene on Wednesday was a world away from the one Flintoff encountered in that first episode. Barry Brocklehurst, Adnan’s foster parent, sat in the stands beaming with pride as the youngster strode out to bat against Yorkshire’s Second XI. Wearing the iconic red rose of Lancashire, Adnan scored a gutsy 25 not out at number ten and then chipped in with two wickets, including the scalp of former Yorkshire captain Jonny Tattersall.
“It is extraordinary,” Barry told BBC Breakfast. “To go from where he was four or five years ago to what he is doing now is unbelievable.”
Barry’s partner, Elaine Jefferson, remembers vividly the moment Adnan first arrived at their doorstep.
“He walked through the door wearing jeans, holding a belt and a tatty pair of trainers,” she said. “He stood there and couldn’t speak a word of English. He was terrified.”
That image is difficult to reconcile with the composed young man now representing one of England’s most historic counties. But it speaks volumes about the courage, resilience and determination Adnan has shown to chase his dream.
Cricket Mad, School Strong
Despite his obvious cricketing talent, Adnan still has exams to think about. He missed the final day of the three-day fixture because he had one of his final school tests to sit—his education has been every bit as important as his sport.
Thanks to a scholarship arranged after his asylum bid was eventually approved in 2022—an effort that included Flintoff himself writing a letter to the Home Office—Adnan now studies at Rossall School, a prestigious boarding school in Lancashire. It’s given him structure, discipline, and most importantly, opportunity.
“He is cricket mad but needed something different, to be training hard,” said Barry. “That is exactly what he has done. He has worked extremely hard.”
Flintoff, who played a pivotal role in shaping Adnan’s early cricketing life, has never stopped watching from afar.
“Some journeys are longer and harder,” Flintoff posted on social media. “I’m so proud of this fine young man.”
Adnan echoed that sentiment with a heartfelt message of his own on Instagram.
“Can’t tell how much I’m happy,” he wrote. “Thank you very much to anyone that helped me and support me in my cricketing journey so far thank you.”
Not Just Making Up the Numbers
What’s most striking is that Adnan isn’t just there for the feel-good factor. He’s delivering. His wickets weren’t tailenders or part-timers—they were proper players. Matthew Revis, one of his victims, featured for Yorkshire’s first team just two weeks ago. Another, Jafer Chohan, was called up by England last year.
The message is clear: Adnan belongs at this level.
This wasn’t some token appearance or public relations gesture. He earned his spot in the Second XI through performances at age-group level, most recently with Lancashire’s Under-18s, and he’s backed it up with results against tough opposition.
If he continues to develop at this rate, a professional contract might not be too far off.
“I think he is good enough, but I might be biased,” Barry admitted. “That’s what he wants. Preferably with Lancashire, but we don’t know where he will end up.”
A Story Bigger Than Sport
Of course, this story isn’t just about cricket. It’s about a young man who refused to give up, even when the odds were stacked high against him. It’s about the people who believed in him—Freddie, Barry, Elaine, and many others—who gave him the tools to believe in himself.
It’s also a reminder of what sport can do. Cricket didn’t just give Adnan a dream, it gave him direction. It gave him a community. It gave him a home.
In the first series of Field of Dreams, viewers saw the heartbreak of Adnan’s initial asylum rejection. At the time, it felt like a cruel blow to someone who had already suffered more than most people will in a lifetime. But his successful second application, and the outpouring of support it received, signalled something greater: that talent and tenacity can still find a way through, even in the most uncertain circumstances.
What’s Next?
Once his exams are done, Adnan’s next goal is clear—earn a full-time professional contract. It won’t be easy. The pathway into county cricket is fiercely competitive. But if the last few years have shown anything, it’s that Adnan has the grit to keep going, no matter the hurdles.
And with Flintoff and his foster family still in his corner, the support network is strong.
“He has everything ahead of him,” said Barry. “But he knows it’s all about hard work from here.”
One thing’s for sure—if he keeps bowling like he did against Yorkshire, people will be taking notice.
And who knows? Maybe one day we’ll see Adnan Miakhel walking out for Lancashire’s first team, or even higher.
From a lorry to the Lancashire Second XI, this journey already reads like a script. But something tells us, it’s only just getting started.
