Former Pakistan cricketer-turned-cab driver's son takes hat-trick in England T20 league

In a standout performance that has etched his name into the record books, 17-year-old off-spinner Farhan Ahmed claimed Nottinghamshire’s first-ever T20 hat-trick and a five-wicket haul during a Vitality Blast clash against Lancashire at Trent Bridge.

The younger brother of England Test spinner Rehan Ahmed, Farhan delivered a career-defining spell, finishing with figures of 5 for 25 as Lancashire were dismissed for 126. His hat-trick came in the final three deliveries of his four-over quota and proved decisive in Notts’ four-wicket win, achieved with 28 balls to spare.

Farhan’s performance further cements his reputation as one of the brightest young prospects in English cricket. Last season, he became the youngest player in Britain to take 10 wickets in a first-class match and made his Nottinghamshire debut at just 16, the youngest in the club’s history.

On Friday, after removing Lancashire skipper Keaton Jennings early in the innings, Farhan tore through the middle and lower order, triggering a collapse that left the visitors with a below-par total. Despite a steady opening stand between Jennings and Phil Salt, the side failed to recover under mounting pressure.

FARHAN AHMED HAS A VITALITY BLAST HAT-TRICK AT 17 YEARS OLD!!!!! 😱 pic.twitter.com/dTThC98cwB

— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) July 18, 2025

While Nottinghamshire faltered early in their chase, wicketkeeper-batter Tom Moores anchored the innings with an unbeaten 75, ensuring Farhan’s heroics translated into a winning result. Despite the victory, Notts were unable to advance to the quarter-finals, finishing sixth in the North Group.

The Ahmed family's cricketing journey is a story of perseverance and passion. Their father, Naeem Ahmed, a former fast-bowling all-rounder from Mirpur in Azad Kashmir, emigrated to England in 2001 and worked as a taxi driver to support his family, shelving his own cricketing aspirations.

Now, his sons are carrying that dream forward on England’s biggest stages. Rehan Ahmed became England’s youngest-ever male Test debutant in December 2022, taking five wickets against Pakistan in Karachi. His potential was recognised early, famously drawing the attention of legendary Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne during a net session at Lord’s when he was just 12.