In the recent past, Sri Lankan has seen the emergence of a few super-talented youngsters who have quickly shown that they belong in the cricketing world. The passion for the sport in the country has spurred this on with talented youngsters being spotted quite young.
The Island has always been rich in terms of producing cricketing talent despite only having a population of 21 million, batsmen and mystery spinners in abundance. While most of them are identified when they emerge on the bigger stages, the schools and in Under-19 cricket, there are some players who show early signs of their prowess by performing at an extraordinary level from a very young age.
Haameed Afdhal, at 5 years and 8 months old, is a cricket prodigy who deserves praise as he has been chosen to represent the NCC U-12 team at such a tender age, identified by coaches and academies as ‘wonder kid’ potential. At an age where other kids are still learning to hold the bat properly, this little guy from Carey College oozes confidence and displays some skills that would put adults to shame.
The capability to hold the bat and play most of his shots with a dominating bottom hand similar to a professional, hitting the ball very craftily, and maneuvering gaps at his will are little things he executes sublimely for his age. Young Haameed however is yet to find his true path in cricket. He is both a leg-spinner and an offie but is also a capable fast bowler with a beautiful rhythmical run-up along with a perfect wrist position, a sight to behold for the onlookers. Add to this, in his coach’s own words, ‘Haameed is an excellent fielder too’. He does it all! Constant practice has pushed him further ahead of the pack, leading the way amongst his peers.
“I like to play cricket. My goal is to go to Australia and England and I want to play for Sri Lanka in the future.” – Haameed Afdhal
Haameed made his debut for the NCC U12s against SCC at 5 years and 4 months old and has played close to 10 matches for both NCC and the Titans Academy so far. For the Titans, the little champ has 50 runs in 4 innings along with 3 wickets under his belt. He has gone on to win the Parklink Inter Academy trophy for the NCC U12s too.
Unlike other kids who more often than not prefer cartoons over sports, Haameed’s eyes are be fixed on the TV whenever a cricket match is on.
Little Hameed is currently being coached by Reeza Thahir, a level 2 coach who observes his skills to enhance and polish his technique. Thahir first came across Haameed’s older brother Amad two years ago when Afdhal, Thahir’s schoolmate brought his son to train with him.
His talent was first noted by his father Afdhal Hamza when he was only 4 and a half years old. Haameed’s father has always encouraged the kids to take up the sport as he too comes from a sporting background. Afdhal still plays cricket in the Division 3 after having captained the Carey College 1st XI back in his day. A football fanatic, he has also passed on his love for Manchester United to his sons Haameed and Amad.
“I realized he is a naturally gifted athlete early on in his life. Coming from a sports fanatic family, I wasn’t surprised with his rapid growth. He surprised me every now and then with his unbelievable skills. For his age coming up with all sort of variations with the ball and striking the ball cleanly with precise timing and very good technique is something very unique. I’m trying my very best to make him a complete product. I would like to thank he’s 1st coach Reza Thahir of Titans Cricket academy and also would like to thank the coaches in NCC academy for the opportunity they have given him.”
It is too early to say whether Hameed will sustain his interest in the game as he grows up. However, for the time being, his foundation is good, giving him the advantage he needs moving on to the more competitive age groups.
