Cricket runs in our blood, so claim many enthusiasts. But to walk the walk requires dedication, commitment and relentless efforts to pursue your goals and give whatever it takes to realise your dreams. A living embodiment of such an attitude is Hussain Hanif who has gone the extra mile to prove what cricket means to him, and to others around him.
Hussain has taken up the task to provide cricket coaching to players with intellectual disabilities, and his first year in this role has earned him great honours.
We had an opportunity to have a conversation with Hussain, who was happy to answer some of our questions.
Tell us something about yourself
I am 31 years old and was born in Auckland, New Zealand. I am married with two beautiful children currently living in Melbourne. I have spent the last eight years travelling, playing cricket and coaching around Australia. My parents were born in Fiji but emigrated at a young age. We spoke Hindi and Urdu at home. I am a big fan of the Pakistan and New Zealand cricket teams due to the World Cup in 1992 (which I attended) hosted jointly by Australia and New Zealand.
Of 11,000 coaches in Victoria I was given this award, which is an honour for me
Tell us about your job
Through Cricket Victoria I am the Victorian Vikings Coach. This is the representative side for the Victorian Intellectually Disabled cricket team. We have a national carnival in January 2017. Last year and this coming summer I was selected as the Melbourne Renegades All Abilities head coach and won the AA Big Bash against the Melbourne Stars last December.
Tell us about your recent achievements
I was recently selected as Cricket Coaches Australia/ Cricket Victoria Coach of the Year for 2015 /16 for my club coaching role with Yarraville Club Cricket Club. Of 11,000 coaches in Victoria I was given this award, which is an honour for me.
Yarraville Club Cricket Club entered the Melbourne All Abilities Cricket Association competition in its inaugural season in 2015/16 and was unbeaten throughout the season, winning the grand final in the final over. The side also entered the Victorian All Abilities Carnival, and stayed unbeaten throughout – also winning this carnival in the last over.
As head coach of the Melbourne Renegades we won the inaugural AA Big Bash Cup over the Melbourne Stars. I finished the season unbeaten as coach.
What’s the reason behind working with Intellectually Disabled cricketers?
I was given an opportunity to coach a few Intellectual Disabled cricketers who wanted some private coaching in the off-season in 2014/15. This gave me an idea to start an All Abilities cricket side.
I joined forces with Lorraine Woodman – a legend in my eyes with 25 years of running programs and coaching Intellectual cricketers in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne. We formed the Yarraville Club Cricket Club All Abilities Cricket team.
For me personally this was a great opportunity to give back to the game I love providing my knowledge and skills to both female and males who would've never received the opportunity to play and get coaching of this calibre. For the Yarraville Club Cricket Club it was all about giving back to the community and being an inclusive cricket club which caters for all cricketers.
What inspires you the most?
There is no better feeling in the world as a coach to see your Intellectually Disabled players enjoying themselves in the field, taking their first wicket or hitting a four. I also see a change in my personal coaching style as it has improved my ability to be more inclusive and personal as a cricket coach. I have gained the knowledge that has enhanced my current coaching skills so I can create pathways for players to play mainstream cricket.
Any word of advice?
I would recommend more cricket coaches to try coaching Intellectually Disabled cricketers. There are many programs popping up around the state and it will be the most rewarding type of coaching you would've ever done.
