August 12, 2024 − Interview with Freddie Flintoff on Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams On Tour – begins August 13

Hello Freddie, tell us all about the second series.

Initially, I was trying to get a group of lads from Preston, who wouldn’t get the chance to play cricket, just to have a go. We were just going to see what happened. We’ve got further than we ever thought! We’ve seen a group of lads – through cricket initially – challenge themselves, challenge each other, challenge me, question their lives, question their futures, question their behaviour but then want to do something about it. And I promise you, we see an incredible group of boys grow up.

What makes the new series and the tour to India so special?

It’s so special and unlike anything I’ve worked on or seen before. We’ve created things for the boys to do and see how they get on with a little bit of guidance. It’s as simple as that, which is brilliant.

Why did you choose Kolkata?

Cricket is like a religion in India. It’s just everywhere you go. And Kolkata is different to other places I’ve been to. To me, Kolkata is authentic India and the more time I spent there, the more I grew an affinity and a connection to the place because we all learnt so much and it’s had such an impact on all of our lives. I’ve been to some amazing places like Victoria Falls – and I see it and I think, “That’s all right. That’ll do.” But Kolkata, the more time I spent there, the more I enjoyed it and it really grew on me and got under my skin.

Tell us some of the challenges you faced filming this series on tour?

The boys at times! And a few of the challenges in India from the traffic jams to the noise, the curries three times a day… The people there were incredible and so welcoming and wanted to help. It’s an incredible place to go.

What do you think will resonate most with audiences watching the new series?

I think the incredible thing about this new series on tour is what comes from the boys. Every minute there was a lesson that they were learning, or they were teaching us. I think that’s credit to the lads. Hopefully the audience will look at themselves and ask, “Am I a good person?” “Did I do everything I can?” “Have I got dreams and ambitions?”

Which moment left a lasting impression on you?

It’s hard to pick one moment from the trip because there are so many. From a cricketing point of view, gully cricket was just so much fun. I’d never seen it or heard of it and couldn’t do it. We had a group of lads from India from various backgrounds, against a group of lads from Preston, Blackpool and Afghanistan – from varying backgrounds. All mucking in, all smiling, all helping each other. That’s one standout.

What memorable moment would you say has touched you personally?

Listening to Adnan describing his life to this point has had a huge impact on me. I knew a little bit about Adnan but I’d been afraid to ask more. It just makes me love that lad even more.

Also seeing Finn grow into a bloke. A great bloke as well. And Eli, spending time with Eli. Seeing him become a different person to when we started out and the fact he was new to the team.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being involved in this programme?

Seeing the change in the boys. Seeing them from start to finish. Seeing the good times and also being there for the bad times. I like the fact that they feel they can talk to me and they feel I can help them. And we’ve had such a character shift from a lot of lads, which has been the best thing. Obviously at the heart of this trip to India was the boys’ development, and I take great pride in seeing it.

What advice would give to any aspiring cricketers?

I don’t have advice for just aspiring cricketers, it’s for everyone. I’d say work hard, commit to it and enjoy it. Be confident. Show your skills off. Live in the moment.

Everyone thinks that sport is different to everything else. It’s not. It’s like life. Commit to it. Enjoy it. Be a good person. Help other people. It’s no different.

Can you give us any teasers of what viewers can look forward to this series?

Viewers can expect everything! Seeing India, tears, joy, life lessons, hope, ambition, passion, wins, losses and a lot of heat. I think it will be unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, from start to finish. I really do.

After transforming a cricket club and the lives of teenagers in his hometown of Preston, Freddie and the boys are back in this four-part series for BBC One and iPlayer.

In 2022 Freddie had an ambitious plan to take the team he created to compete in India, one of the most revered cricketing nations in the world. Two years in the making, this is the story of the most unlikely cricket tour that almost didn’t happen.

Watch Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams On Tour on BBC iPlayer and BBC One from 9pm, Tuesday 13 August