Young refugee honoured with prestigious cricket award

A young Afghan refugee has been recognised for his dedication to cricket, receiving the esteemed Spirit of Cricket award at Milnrow Cricket Club.

The award highlights his resilience, passion, and commitment to the sport since arriving in the UK.

Eighteen-year-old Chris (not his real name) was honoured in an emotional ceremony on Monday 27 January. The accolade, which celebrates junior players who embody the true spirit of the game, was presented to him in recognition of his unwavering dedication over the past year.

Chris was forced to flee Afghanistan due to political instability and arrived in the UK seeking safety. Reflecting on the award, he described the moment as ‘emotional’.

“Cricket has always been my passion,” he said. “When I came to England, I didn’t know if I would ever get the chance to play again. Milnrow Cricket Club gave me more than just that chance – they gave me a family.

This award is a reminder of how far I’ve come, and it inspires me to keep going. I want to keep improving, play at the highest level I can, and help others the way I’ve been helped.”

 

 

Milnrow Cricket Club chairperson, Emerson Whitworth, delivered a heartfelt speech while presenting the award, recognising Chris’s journey and perseverance.

“This young man’s journey goes beyond anything most of us can ever imagine,” he said. “Chris left Afghanistan in 2021 under incredibly difficult circumstances and arrived in the UK seeking safety. When he joined us at Milnrow, his dream was simple – to play cricket in England. That dream has not only come true but has also inspired everyone here.

“Chris embodies what this club stands for. He’s shown us what it means to take chances, embrace opportunities, and overcome incredible odds. This award is not just for his contributions on the pitch but for the inspiration he brings to all of us.”

Chris has been supported since March last year by youth homelessness charity Depaul UK. Allan Clarke, a Progression Coach at Depaul UK, has been with him throughout his journey.

“When I first met Chris, he was quiet, unsure, and struggling with everything he had been through, but when he talked about cricket, his eyes just lit up,” said Allan.

“Now, thanks to the club and support from Depaul UK, he's absolutely thriving. He now has a safe place to live, a place at college, and a home on the pitch.”

The Spirit of Cricket award not only celebrates Chris’s sporting achievements but also his integration into the local community.