Hameed Kherkhah only came to Australia after his father risked his life on a rickety fishing boat to seek asylum 17 years ago.
His love of cricket led to a Rookie contract with the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash league and his dream of becoming the first Afghan born player to play for Australia has taken a significant step forward.
Hameed’s joy...alongside Sydney Thunder star batsman Usman Khawaja (Supplied)
The Kherkhah family story is one of bravery, desperation, hard work and persistence.
As the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in the late 1990’s, Hameed’s father Abdul decided he had nothing to lose.
He got on an old fishing boat in 1997 thinking he was being taken to an Island where he would fly to Indonesia en-route to Australia. But there was no plane and not everyone on the boat survived the journey.
The Australian navy found them just in time. Many were dehydrated and had lost skin, while the boat was taking-in water.
Abdul spent time at Port Hedland Immigration Centre and had to wait two years before being re-united with his wife and children after successfully sponsoring them to join him in Australia.
Hameed was 9 years old when his life here began and cricket quickly became a passion.
Runs in the Family: Hameed with brother Waheed (Hameed 2nd from right back row, Waheed 3rd from right back row) at the Cricket Masala Festival (Supplied)
Proud of his heritage...Flying the Afghan Flag at a community cricket carnival. (Supplied)
Fifteen years later, he is a father of two and living in Sydney’s Regent’s Park, not far from the towering stands of the Olympic Stadium where he hopes to make his Big Bash debut after earning a contract.
"I'm looking forward to getting a chance with the Thunder, and to get a game, that would be my goal to get a game," the Sydney Thunder rookie said.
One of eight boys and three girls, he learned the art of patience and persistence early on. He forced his way into the Campbelltown-Camden side earlier this year under coach Neil D’Costa.
And the man that steered Phil Hughes to stardom said he wasn’t surprised when the Thunder signed him up because of his work ethic.
Destined for success...Hameed is used to winning cricket awards. (Supplied)
Hameed’s captain at the Thunder Mike Hussey is already a fan of the spin bowler.
"I really like what he does...and I really hope he can make it all the way through to the top level," Hussy said.
Rising Star...Hameed Kherkhah signs up for the Thunder (Supplied)
Away from cricket, Hameed works for his brother’s wallpaper business to support his growing family.
But as media interest grows in the remarkable story of how his family came to live in Australia, he acknowledges the role his father and the Australian government have played in his own success.
"He put his life at risk, to get everyone here for us to have a proper education and lifestyle," he said.
And if he does succeed in one day earning a baggy green, the first Afghan born player to do so will always remember the sacrifices that paved the way for him.
