Nasa Hussain, a dedicated groundsman from Bradford, has had a remarkable journey in the world of cricket, culminating in his recent recognition with a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List. His contributions to the sport have been significant, particularly through his work at Bradford Park Avenue and the ECB-funded indoor cricket dome in Bradford, where he is also a part of the ground staff at Headingley.
On a busy midweek afternoon, the indoor cricket dome buzzes with activity as schools have reopened after the summer break. Hussain reflects on the success of the dome, which has become a vital part of the community. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recognized the potential of Park Avenue, a cricket ground situated in the heart of Bradford, a city known for its rich cricketing culture. The ECB's investment aimed to develop the Park Avenue project and utilize the adjacent land, previously an unused football ground, to foster local cricket.
The official opening of the indoor cricket dome took place in December 2023, attended by ECB chair Richard Thompson, former England and Yorkshire bowler Darren Gough, and Hussain, among other community members. The facility has quickly gained popularity, attracting notable cricketers like Adil Rashid and Shan Masood, as well as families from Bradford and beyond, eager to take advantage of the new training opportunities.
In 2024, the indoor cricket dome hosted the National Tape Ball Competition, featuring 11 women's teams and 13 men's teams vying for the championship. This event celebrated the contributions of ethnically diverse communities to cricket, combining sports with cultural elements such as food and music, showcasing the vibrant cricketing spirit of the region.
Hussain proudly shared that the dome recorded over 52,000 visitors from January to December last year, based on lane bookings alone. He noted that while cricket accounts for the majority of activities, other sports are also facilitated, thanks to partnerships with local organizations like Sunnah Sports, which utilize the facility for various sporting events.
Hussain's life took an unexpected turn when he received a phone call from his daughter while working at Park Avenue. Initially thinking it was a mundane matter, he was shocked to learn it was a letter from the King, informing him of the BEM award for his services to cricket. His disbelief was palpable as he recounted the moment, expressing how rare it is for someone in his position to receive such recognition, contrasting his story with those of more famous personalities.
In addition to his groundskeeping responsibilities, Hussain serves as a board member and disciplinary chair of the Bradford Cricket League. His journey in groundskeeping began with Richard Robinson, the current head groundsman at Yorkshire, who mentored Hussain and helped him develop his skills. This mentorship ultimately led to Hussain's role at Headingley, where he has proven his mettle under challenging conditions.
During the recent England vs. Pakistan Test match, Hussain and his team faced the daunting task of preparing the pitch and outfield after heavy rain. Under Robinson's leadership, they managed to get the game underway within an hour of the rain stopping, earning commendations from the match referee for their swift and effective work. Hussain attributes their success to Robinson's excellent man management skills and leadership, highlighting the collaborative effort that goes into maintaining the grounds.
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