England cricket legend Freddie Flintoff has revealed he ‘can’t stop smiling’ after ‘Field of Dreams’ star Adnan was granted asylum to remain in the UK. The three-part BBC series followed Flintoff and a group of teenagers from his hometown of Preston, as the all-rounder looked to introduce the teens into cricket.
Undoubtedly the biggest story to come out of the show was that of Afghani national Adnan, who first appeared in episode two. The 16-year-old took Flintoff and his former Lancashire teammate Kyle Hogg by surprise with his natural skill for the game.
Away from the cricket pitch though, Adnan was battling for his asylum to stay in the UK after making his way to Preston from his native Afghanistan.
The teenager’s foster mother revealed his remarkable journey on to British shores that saw him travel from Afghanistan to Calais 'by foot, boat, truck and cars’.
Discussing his commute for refuge, she told the show: “In Calais, he hid in an empty lorry and found his way to Preston. When he arrived here, he cut himself out of the lorry and handed himself in to the police."
In the series, Adnan was seen attending his asylum hearing, before it was revealed that he would have to wait even longer to find out whether he could remain in the UK. One month on from the screening of the show, Flintoff has revealed some good news regarding Adnan’s asylum.
Taking to Twitter the former Lancashire and England all-rounder said: “Adnan’s got asylum Massive Thankyou to you all , can’t stop smiling.” The 16-year-old has set his sights on following in the footsteps of Flintoff, and making a name for himself in cricket.
What did you make of Flintoff's 'Field of Dreams' series? Let us know in the comments section below.
Revealing that he is going to continue to ‘work hard’ he said per the BBC: “When I arrived in the UK, I hadn’t heard of Freddie Flintoff. I definitely know who he is now. He’s a legend, for me to be involved in his television programme is a great opportunity. Freddie has offered me a lot of coaching and encouragement, and I really hope I can continue to improve as a cricketer.
I will continue to work hard and you never know, I might just get somewhere. If I achieve just a fraction of what Freddie has achieved in the game, I will be extremely proud. I’d like to thank Freddie, Elaine and Barry, and the many other people here in Preston, for their love, help and support.”
