A YOUNG boy from Afghanistan who travelled 3,000 miles on his own to escape terror in his home country is now a rising cricket star in Greenock.

Brave Muhibullah Ahmadzai, 14, is one of the thousands of unaccompanied children who fled Afghanistan when the Taliban swept to power two years ago, finding themselves alone in the UK seeking sanctuary.

Greenock Telegraph: Afghan boy Muhibullah Ahmadzai

In an incredibly uplifting tale the youngster has settled into safety here, given the chance of a new life in Inverclyde.

Having learned how to play cricket on the streets of Kabul, Muhuibullah has found a home in Greenock Cricket Club, where he seems destined to be a future star.

Greenock Telegraph: Afghan boy Muhibullah Ahmadzai

Muhibullah told the Tele about his journey from his homeland all the way to Inverclyde.

He said: "I was sad to leave Afghanistan. I came here nine months ago. I left Kabul because of the Taliban.

Greenock Telegraph: Afghan boy Muhibullah Ahmadzai

"Everyone here has been very friendly. I am very happy to be here in Inverclyde.

"I love Scotland and I want to stay here. Maybe I could play for Scotland's cricket team."

Muhibullah has settled into school at Port Glasgow High, where he is thriving.

He added: "I love Port Glasgow High, it is very good. I am very happy there and I have made friends.

"I love maths and my English is getting better."

As Muhibullah is a keen cricketer a place was sought for him at Greenock Cricket Club.

Colin McDougall, a coach and the club's child protection officer, was thrilled to bring him into the fold at Glenpark.

Muhibullah, who is a top bowler, is now rising through the ranks and already plays for the club's second team.

He said: "I used to play cricket in Kabul with a tennis ball. It is a very popular sport in Afghanistan. I am loving it at Greenock Cricket Club.

"I feel at home. It is great to be able to play here."

At Greenock Cricket Club the teen has also found friendships with other young players from Afghanistan who have settled in Inverclyde too.

Cricket star Muhibullah added: "It is great to have friends from home as well."

Brothers Hamidullah and Sahil Safi, 18 and 14, also fled Kabul when the US and UK troops pulled out in 2021, with the government collapsing and the Taliban returning to power.

Hamidullah said: "We are very happy to be here in Greenock. We enjoy coming here to play cricket."

Greenock Telegraph: Afghan boy Muhibullah Ahmadzai

Greenock Cricket Club, which has many players from diverse backgrounds, has set up a scheme to support youngsters from resettled families in Inverclyde.

Glenpark official Colin said:"It makes you feel so proud to come from Inverclyde.

"We are helping to look after a young lad who has lost so much.

"We can't even begin to imagine what he has been through, and to come all that way here on his own.

"He comes to all the training sessions and is doing very well.

"He really is a fantastic player and we are privileged to have him here."

The players are being coached by professional cricketer Raul Dalal, from India, who has signed for the club to play this summer and coach the juniors.

Colin added: "It has worked out fantastically and the young players like Muhibullah have worked well with Raul."