As the cricketing world gears up for the 2026 T20 World Cup, the journey of refugee athletes showcases their remarkable transitions. One inspiring example is Ihsan, a player who has embraced his new home in Scotland while honoring his roots in Afghanistan.
From Tapeball Cricket to International Competition
Ihsan’s cricketing journey began with tapeball cricket in Afghanistan. His arrival in Scotland opened new doors, along with opportunities in international cricket. Recently, Ihsan, together with team-mate Safyaan Sharif, received their visas late, missing the chance to play in Scotland’s opening warm-up match against Afghanistan.
Learning from the Best
Even though Ihsan missed that initial match, he made the most of the situation. He engaged in insightful discussions with key figures from the Afghanistan cricket team, including former pacer Hamid Hassan and all-rounder Mohammad Nabi. Additionally, global star Rashid Khan took a moment to offer advice, further fueling Ihsan’s passion for the game.
A Strong Commitment to Scotland
Ihsan’s loyalty lies firmly with Scotland. “Scotland gave me respect and believed in me,” he stated. Despite being born in Afghanistan, he identifies Scotland as his country. His commitment to the team is unwavering as he continues to develop his skills and knowledge of the game.
First International Experience
Ihsan made his international debut in a recent match against Namibia, where he took 1 wicket for 49 runs. This high-scoring encounter was an eye-opener, highlighting the level of competition in international cricket.
Potential for Growth
Assistant coach Gordon Drummond praised Ihsan’s capabilities, noting that he possesses qualities essential for success in T20 cricket. “He’s got decent pace and can deliver yorkers, slower balls, and bouncers,” Drummond commented. Ihsan’s performance reveals the importance of gaining experience against strong opposition.
Building Character and Skills
The experience against Namibia taught Ihsan valuable lessons about the game. His disappointment after the match reflects his desire to improve. Such attributes demonstrate his character and determination to learn from every match.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 T20 World Cup
As Cricket Scotland prepares for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Ihsan’s journey exemplifies the potential of refugee athletes. With continued participation in top-level cricket, he is poised to evolve further, contributing significantly to his team’s performance on the world stage.
- Player: Ihsan
- Team: Scotland
- Debut Match: Against Namibia
- Performance: 1-49
- Mentors Engaged: Hamid Hassan, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan
- Upcoming Event: 2026 T20 World Cup
The integration of athletes like Ihsan highlights the evolving landscape of cricket, showcasing talent that transcends boundaries. The journey from tapeball cricket to the global stage is a testament to resilience and dedication.
