Bashir Jabbarkhail’s life was transformed through the remarkable power of cricket. With the help of a Chance to Shine Street club, the once shy teenager has transformed into a wonderful young man; well-integrated into his own community and caring for the next generation of refugees.
Aged 9, Bashir embarked on a tumultuous journey from Afghanistan to the UK. When he reached the Calais Jungle, he was introduced to cricket. He rediscovered his passion on arrival to the UK as a 14-year-old. “I never expected to become a cricketer, the first time I played was in France. [Aid workers] brought us cricket bats and cricket balls, and they taught us how to play.”
“I met my foster carer, and she was watching a cricket match on her phone, and I told her ‘Look! I’ve played this game! I played this game in Calais. I was begging her to take me, so she called Mick Piggott, who told us to come to the session on Friday.”
It was this introduction to Mick, a Street coach who ran a Street club in Thetford, which changed everything for Bashir. “He said ‘hello’, that was the extent of his English, but he wanted to get involved, and immediately he wasn’t just playing, he was trying to coach. I could see there was potential to be a coach or a leader,” said Mick.
“I feel like a father to him. I’ve watched him grow from this very young awkward boy to this very strong, charismatic, charming young man who I love.”
At these sessions Bashir was paired up with Alistair Newey, another young cricketer who at the time was getting into coaching.
“I see him as a younger brother, I’ve always looked out for him. I just do my bit whenever he needs me,” said Alistair. “He’s part of my family.”
For Bashir, the impact of cricket has been profound. “It has given me a second life, a second chance in life. In cricket you socialise with people, and you’re just enjoying playing, you don’t go hard on yourself.”
Now, Bashir, affectionately known as ‘Bash’ around his club, Thetford Town CC, has grown into a leader beyond the first XI by helping a fellow Afghan refugee settle and build a social network. Bashir said: “I see myself in him, he can’t speak English either. I absolutely admire him and want to help him because I know it’s very hard for him to play cricket and understanding everything. Now he has someone here to help.”
“I told him I’m to help if there’s anything you need, do not think that you don’t have anyone. Because Mick helped me, I want to try and help others. It’s wonderful to help.”
Bashir has gone on to study at Thetford Academy and achieved a B Tech in Sports Science. He has a job in a barber shop and moved into his own flat with help from a fundraiser at his cricket club.
“It’s a beautiful flat, which I never expected because I’m 19 and I have my own house. It’s one of the most beautiful things to happen in my life,” said Bashir.
He regularly sees Mick for a meal at his home, and sees Alistair’s family every Christmas Day, something he first did two years ago. But his level of independence, especially given his circumstances, is impressive.
“He’s now his own man,” said Mick, “and that’s what you want for any child, to put them out into the world and see them grow. He’s carved out a life for himself, which takes unbelievable courage from where he’s come from and some of the experiences he’s had.
“Cricket has given him character, the ability to socialise, and overcome hurdles.”
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