EAST KILBRIDE SKIPPER READY FOR CRICKET TOUR OF A LIFETIME
While many Scottish cricketers and coaches are enjoying a well-earned rest following the end of the domestic season, one man is preparing himself for a dream winter tour in aid of charity.
East Kilbride captain Mohammad Osman is busy fundraising a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Nepal in November as part of a volunteering programme run by the charity Cricket Without Boundaries. Osman, who also coaches at his club, will spend two weeks in Nepal coaching adults and children, heading from the capital Kathmandu to the rural eastern region of Ilam.
“Volunteering with Cricket Without Boundaries is a great opportunity for me to combine my passion for cricket and help people overcome challenges by educating and facilitating important discussions, and most importantly having a bit of fun at the same time,” said Osman.
“It’s not just about coaching cricket when I’m there – the project also aims to linking the game to key social issues like gender equality. It’s going to be fantastic to learn about a different culture, but also meet and build connections with people in Nepal from the kids to the cricket coaches working in the country.”
For Osman, a civil servant who works in the Ministry of Justice, the trip will be the culmination of a personal cricketing journey, which saw him nearly drift away from the game at one point, before rekindling his love for the sport with East Kilbride.
“Cricket has always been a part of my life. Some of my earliest, fondest memories are of watching matches with my dad on the telly and playing cricket with him in the back garden at the age of 5, which was also around the same time Pakistan won the World Cup in 1992, and that’s when my cricketing journey really started.
“I went on to play for my childhood club Hawks CC in London for a number of years, before moving to Loughton CC and finally moving to Scotland to play for East Kilbride CC.
“I had lost my love for the game, but definitely found it again in East Kilbride. I tribute that to the great people at the club, but also the club’s ambition to grow the sport in Scotland and provide the opportunity for everyone to participate.
“We have had a tremendous season across the club this year, with the 1st XI and U12’s both winning their respective leagues undefeated! I’m excited to see what the future brings for our club, particularly what our talented youngsters can achieve in the years to come, and hopefully we’ll see a couple of them progress into the national teams.”
Osman departs for Nepal on 23 November, and those interested in supporting him on his journey can visit his fundraising site for more information – https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/osmans-fundraiser-for-cricket-without-boundaries
Anyone interested in learning about or volunteering for the charity Cricket Beyond Boundaries can find out more by visiting www.cricketwithoutboundaries.com.