In a proud moment for Bradford’s South Asian community and the wider grassroots cricket scene, local cricket stalwart Zarith Nasa Hussain has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2025.
Recognised for his unwavering dedication to grassroots cricket and his instrumental role in reviving Bradford’s historic Park Avenue ground, Zarith, 55, stands as a beacon of community spirit and sporting passion.
“It was a complete surprise,” he admits, reflecting on the phone call that changed everything. “It’s not every day you’re recognised in the King’s Honours list! You always assume it’s the high-profile people who get the headlines, not someone like me.”
But for those who know Zarith and the legacy he’s helped build, the honour is anything but surprising.
A lifetime of cricket
Born and raised in Bradford, Zarith is a proud Yorkshireman and family man, raising six children while devoting much of his life to the game he loves. His cricketing journey began as a junior, eventually rising through the ranks to play competitively in the Bradford League, one of the UK’s most prestigious amateur cricket leagues.
“Cricket is my life,” he says simply. “From playing in junior leagues to winning matches in the Bradford League, to working with Yorkshire County Cricket Club, everything I’ve done has centred around this game.”
Zarith has chaired cricket committees, worked as a groundsman at Yorkshire CCC, and remained deeply involved in local cricket initiatives across the city.
But it’s not just about the game. For Zarith, cricket has always been a platform for bringing people together, nurturing young talent, and opening up opportunities for players of all backgrounds.
“I just want to see people playing cricket and enjoying themselves,” he says. “Young or old, men or women, that’s what it’s about. Inclusion, participation, and joy.”
Reviving Park Avenue
One of Zarith’s proudest achievements is his role in the revival of Park Avenue cricket ground, a once-iconic venue that hosted first-class matches until 1977. For years, the ground sat neglected, a shadow of its former self.
But in 2016, Yorkshire CCC, in partnership with community figures like Zarith, began working on a vision to bring the ground back to life.
“When I was told my BEM was in recognition for my service to the community and the Park Avenue renaissance, I couldn’t believe it,” he says. “That ground means everything to me. Seeing it brought back to life is emotional.”
Zarith dreams of the day first-class cricket returns to the venue. “The ultimate goal? To see Yorkshire play here again, to hear the crowd, to feel that energy. I’ve been involved from the start, and that dream keeps me going.”
A community hero
The news of Zarith’s award has sent ripples of celebration across social media and the cricketing world, with hundreds of messages pouring in from local residents, former players, and cricket lovers from across the globe.
“It’s gone viral!” he laughs. “The response has been overwhelming. I’ve had kind words from so many different communities, it’s humbling. All this for little old me!”
But his humility doesn’t hide the immense value of his work. Over the years, Zarith has helped mentor young players, organised charity matches, and supported countless local causes through cricket.
One of his upcoming charity events will support the organisation Purpose of Life, which sponsors local teams and is currently raising funds for an orphanage in Syria. He’s also planning future events in aid of Dementia UK.
“Cricket isn’t just a sport. It can be a force for good,” Zarith explains. “These matches bring people together, raise money, and spark important conversations. That’s why I keep doing what I do.”
The heartbeat of Bradford cricket
In many ways, Zarith Nasa Hussain embodies what grassroots sport is all about – passion, purpose, and persistence. His BEM is not just a personal honour but a recognition of the countless hours, sacrifices, and sheer love for the game that he has poured into Bradford’s cricketing future.
“Getting a job at Yorkshire CCC was a dream come true for me,” he reflects. “To wear the White Rose on my chest as a proud Bradfordian was the highest honour. But this BEM? This is different. It’s for my community. It’s for every young player I’ve seen take to the pitch.”
As the city of Bradford prepares for its year as UK City of Culture in 2025, it’s stories like Zarith’s that will inspire the next generation – not only to pick up a bat or ball, but to give back, lift others, and dream big.
“Cricket has given me everything,” he says. “Now it’s my turn to give something back.”
