Bradford groundsman Nasa Hussain: “Why would the King be writing to me?”

From Cutting Grass at Park Avenue to a Letter from the King 🏏👑

Bradford's own Nasa Hussain BEM is living proof that grassroots cricket changes lives. Started by playing in the backstreets of Bradford, this dedicated groundsman has now been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours for his services to cricket.

The Dome Dream Comes True

At the heart of Hussain's impact is Bradford Park Avenue's new indoor cricket dome — an ECB-funded project that opened in December 2023. Big names turned up on day one, with Adil Rashid and Shan Masood among those to use the facility. The numbers speak for themselves:

- 52,000+ people booked lanes between Jan–Dec last year

- 90-95% of usage is cricket, with Sunnah Sports also hosting multi-sport sessions

- Hosted the 2024 National Tape Ball Competition — 11 women's & 13 men's teams celebrating cricket's diverse community

"Why would the King be writing to me?"

The moment his life changed came via a phone call from his daughter: "Dad, there's a letter." His first thought? "Is it a fine? Is your mum going to be upset?" 😂 Turns out, it was a letter from the King himself. As he put it: "Nobody hears about Nasa who cuts grass at Bradford Park. So yeah, it was an absolute wow factor."

Headingley Calling

Through his Bradford Cricket League role, Hussain was reunited with old friend Richard Robinson (Yorkshire's head groundsman), who taught him the art of groundskeeping and opened the door to Headingley. That partnership was tested on Day 1 of the England v Pakistan Test last month — sodden outfield, wet pitch — where Robinson's leadership got play back on within an hour of the rain stopping, earning plaudits from the match referee.

From Bradford's backstreets to honouring the crown — a proper inspiration for the next generation. 🙌

Source: Tusdiq Din

Source: Wisden