Flintoff Prides Himself on Miakhel's Lancashire Debut
Lancashire Second Team Welcomes Talented Refugee Protege, Previously Mentored by Flintoff
In the heart of England, cricketing legend Andrew Flintoff feels a surge of pride as he watches Adnan Miakhel, the former star of his reality show "Field of Dreams," take the field for Lancashire's second team. The Afghan refugee, who found a second chance in England, has come a long way from his humble beginnings.
Flintoff, known for his all-round talent during his time with Lancashire, has been making headlines lately, thanks to a new documentary detailing his inspiring comeback from a life-altering car crash[3]. The program delves into Flintoff's journey back to cricket, which played a crucial role in giving his life a fresh meaning.
Miakhel, the breakout star of Flintoff's show about a scratch team of aspiring cricketers from Preston, Lancashire, secured asylum in the UK after the Home Office received a supportive letter from Flintoff[1][5]. Now, Miakhel's journey from Lancashire's Under-18s last season to the second string this year is a testament to his determination[3].
Flintoff took to social media to express his pride, stating, "Some journeys are longer and harder, I’m so proud of this fine young man"[1]. During the friendly match against Yorkshire, Miakhel scored 25 not out, batting at number 10 in the first innings, and also dismissed two first-teamers[3].
This friendly match at Liverpool's Northern Cricket Club doesn't follow the usual standard of 11 players, and Miakhel isn't listed to bat in the second innings[3]. Rossall School, which awarded Miakhel a scholarship, praised his efforts, saying, "Amazing to see current Y13 and 1XI (first team) cricket Captain Adnan M being presented with his 2XI (2nd XI) cap as he made his debut against Yorkshire"[4].
Rossall School's message continues, "It's fantastic to see all the hard work Adnan has put in paying off, and we wish him all the success in the future with @lancscricket"[4]. Rossall, known for producing notables like Liam Botham, the son of cricket great Ian Botham, who also excelled in cricket and both codes of rugby, stands behind Miakhel[5].
Background:
Andrew Flintoff and Adnan Miakhel’s Remarkable Journey
Adnan Miakhel, who arrived in the UK at 15 unable to speak English, became a breakout star of Andrew Flintoff’s 2023 reality show "Field of Dreams"[5]. The series showcased Flintoff's efforts to build a cricket team from scratch in Preston, England, focusing on untapped local talent[2][5].
Despite initial language and educational barriers, Miakhel's remarkable progress on the show caught widespread attention. His dedication resulted in a significant achievement: making his debut for Lancashire’s second team in May 2025[1][3][5]. The Afghan refugee’s journey—from fleeing hardship to achieving recognition in English cricket—demonstrates both his resilience and Flintoff’s mentorship[1][4]. The "Field of Dreams" initiative aimed to provide opportunities to underrepresented communities, with Miakhel’s success underscoring its transformative potential[2][4].
Cricketing legend Andrew Flintoff, who had mentored Adnan Miakhel on his reality show "Field of Dreams," felt pride watching Miakhel, a former refugee, play for Lancashire's second team. This second string appearance was a testament to Miakhel's journey from Lancashire's Under-18s last season, an achievement made possible by Flintoff's support. Despite initially struggling with language and education in England, Miakhel's dedication led him to secure a scholarship at Rossall School and achieve recognition in both cricket and football.
