Rehan Ahmed became England’s youngest-ever Test cricketer for men when he made his debut for England against Pakistan in Karachi for the Third Test. It was former England captain Nasser Hussain who presented Ahmed with his first England cap.
At the pre-match ceremony, Hussain gave an emotional speech: “This little cloth is a reward for all the hard work you’ve already put in and all the sacrifices you’ve made and also for everyone who brought you here, be it Nottinghamshire or Leicestershire.”
“The pride you must have in your heart this week to watch your 18-year-old son play cricket at the National Stadium, Karachi, is incomparable.” ❤️
A very special presentation of Testdop 710 🧢
🇵🇰 #PAKvENG ???????? pic.twitter.com/YKPMFThXGF
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 17, 2022
He further added, “It is also a reward for the sacrifices your family has made. It is a story I know well, and I know what your old man has been through, the pride you must have in your heart this week to watch your 18 year old son play cricket at National Stadium, Karachi is incomparable. Many congratulations to your family.”
Rehan’s father, Naeem Ahmed, himself a former cricketer, was born in Pakistan, where he played as a fast-bowling all-rounder, before moving to England.
Of his son’s England debut, Naeem said, “At that point I didn’t realize I’d be on the ground for it and in the group with the players.”
He added, “I thought they meant I’d be on the sidelines while it happened, but not really in the group, so when they got me in there it was just amazing. It is a moment I will never forget in my life. It was the best moment I’ve ever had so far and I really enjoyed it. A fast bowling club cricket all-rounder and licensed cricket coach, he has encouraged his son’s passion for the game as much as he can, although he admits that the leg spinning skills came naturally through hard work.
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PremiumIn the first innings of the third Test, Ahmed Jr. Saud Shakeel and Faheem sacking Ashraf to finish with figures of 2/89 in his 22 overs period.