Freddie Flintoff 'so proud' as refugee star of hit BBC show makes cricket debut

Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff has spoken of his pride at watching . 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 star Flintoff attempt to build a team consisting of disadvantaged youngsters from his home county of Lancashire. However, 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.

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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."