Young cricket star Hamidullah Qadri has been talk of cricket this week as he become the youngest player in first class cricket making his debut at the tender age of 16.
In a week that the new pink ball was supposed to take the headlines, with the County Championship’s inaugural day night match set of fixtures taking place featuring many of England’s superstars, it was a 16-year-old Afghani born Englishman taking centre stage.
Qadri who this week made his first-class debut for Derbyshire CCC against Glamorgan became the first cricketer in England to be born in the 21st century.
Earlier in the season he made his list A debut against South Africa A and he also became the youngest player to represent Derbyshire at first class level.
In the match against Glamorgan Qadri batted at number 11 and although he did avoid an early scare being bowled off a no ball, he regained focus and batted efficiently against the more experienced opposition under the lights.
The youngster managed to score 11 not out as his side were bowled out for 288 in their first innings, he didn’t look out of place and helped prevent his side from capitulating.
The youngster who was born on December 5th, 2000, signed his first professional contract with Derbyshire in the winter penning a two-year deal with the division two side.
The Academy spinner has been playing in the Derbyshire Premier League for Alvaston & Boulton taking 223 wickets at an average of 20.41 in five seasons since moving from Afghanistan.
Qadri’s Development Coach Mal Loye spoke about the youngster following an impressive spell in the academy and second team before making his maiden appearance against South Africa A earlier this summer.
Loye said: “Hamidullah has shown a lot of skill and ability during his time with the Academy.
“He has a real hunger to continue to learn and improve his game and this has been rewarded with impressive performances in the second team which has led to a call up to the first team.
“He has the potential and desire to develop into a genuine all-rounder and we look forward to watching him develop his game over the next few years.”
