Imams and vicars took to the crease in Dewsbury to score a winner for community cohesion.
And the cricket match between two faiths has been praised for creating bonds of lasting friendships.
Spectator and former cricketer Dr Nasim Hasnie said: “This was an excellent example of social cohesion and promotion of good community relations in practice where people of faith from eastern and western heritage played together.”
The well-attended match took place at the Sands Lane playing fields in Dewsbury, featuring 11 imams and 11 vicars. Kirklees council chief executive Adrian Lythgo and Supt Ged McManus were the umpires.
Organised by Dewsbury-based community group Kumon Y’all, match players included: the Rev Brunel James, Farook Yunus, Molana Mohammed Kola and the Rev Mark Umpleby. The Rt. Rev. Tony Robinson, Bishop of Wakefield, also joined the priests’ team.
Each player batted and bowled for two overs and bowled two overs, with the vicars winning the challenge cup by a fair margin.
“But in generosity, the vicars announced that both sides had won,” said Dr Hasnie, former president of Kirklees Racial Equality Council. “It was good to see spectators clapped for their own side and opposition.”
The cricket game followed successful football tournaments which have forged community links. Individuals who have taken part in the competitions have gone on to organise activities such as a litter pick, archery session and a presentation at Staincliffe Working Men’s Club.
“The organisers should be congratulated for events such as these which help create bonds of lasting friendships.” said Dr Hasnie.
