Transforming Lives through Sport: From Peshawar's Streets to Cricket Coach

Pakistan – From 2007 to 2015, Muhammad Anwar made his mark on Afghanistan’s Under-19 national cricket team. He showcased his skills in the 2011 U-19 Cricket World Cup and competed in international matches in Nepal, Malaysia and New Zealand.

Born in Pakistan to Afghan parents, Anwar's early life revolved around cricket. Struggling academically, he found solace in the game, playing daily on the streets of Peshawar. His life took a significant turn when the captains of the Afghan U-19 cricket team visited Peshawar and noticed his talent.

With his parents having migrated from Afghanistan, Anwar was eligible for the U-19 team trials in Kabul. Determined to seize this opportunity, he pawned his bicycle to fund his journey to Kabul to compete. Amidst fierce competition, Anwar’s talent stood out, earning him a place on the team.

"I was an ordinary Afghan kid from Peshawar. My world changed overnight, representing Afghanistan and travelling to places I had only dreamed of."

Anwar's promising career was unfortunately cut short by a severe leg injury. Without the financial means for surgery abroad, he was unable to receive the necessary medical treatment.

Forced to adapt, Anwar turned to selling ice on the streets of Peshawar during summer. However, his passion for cricket never waned. He re-entered the sport as a coach, transforming his love for cricket into a micro-business, coaching aspiring cricketers of Afghan and Pakistani origin in Peshawar.

Anwar was selected for IOM Pakistan’s Individual Livelihood Assistance (ILA) programme, funded by the European Union. The ILA programme supports individuals with business experience or those facing challenges in starting a micro-business. Through this programme, Anwar received Business Support Packages and Business Development Service training, equipping him with essential skills to manage and grow his business.

With these new skills and financial support from IOM, Anwar expanded his coaching business and opened a small shop selling sports equipment and accessories. Today, he coaches 118 young Afghan and Pakistani cricketers in Peshawar and has formed a local sports team, enabling his players to compete in regional leagues.

In the recent T20 Cricket World Cup, Afghanistan reached the semi-finals. Reflecting on his journey, Anwar beamed with pride, admiring the Afghan team’s achievements despite limited resources and coaching.

“There is immense cricket talent in our region, but many never get the chance to shine due to a lack of resources and exposure. I want to change that.”

Anwar aspires to obtain Level 2 coaching certification, which would allow him to coach higher-level players and identify emerging talent. He dreams of becoming a certified coach, supporting the next generation of cricketers and rejoining the international cricket scene, even off the pitch.

His small business not only fosters new cricket talent but also promotes social cohesion between Afghan and host communities in Pakistan. Anwar is passionate about uniting Afghan and Pakistani youth through cricket.

“Cricket, a sport beloved in our region, has the power to bring people from different backgrounds together. On the field, we are all one.”

In addition to nurturing talent, Anwar’s business has created job opportunities. Currently, he employs two people and has ambitious plans to expand the business in the near future.

Muhammad Anwar’s journey from the streets of Peshawar to the international cricket arena is a testament to his resilience, passion and unwavering commitment to the sport he loves. He once aspired to follow in the footsteps of his idol, Imran Nazir; now, he hopes to coach the next generation of cricket stars.

This story was written by Maha Akbar, Communications Officer, IOM Pakistan.