New immigration rules might bring Fawad Ahmed closer to an Ashes call

Fawad Ahmed in a chat with Stuart MacGill

With the introduction of a bill to the federal parliament that could alter Australia’s citizenship laws, Pakistan-born-leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed might be in with a chance of being called-up for the Ashes, which is scheduled to start in July this year. According to the rules under the current system, it might well be August, when Ahmed obtains his Australian passport. This might prove to be a bit late for him, as by that time, 4 Tests would already have concluded.

However, a new bill introduced by immigration and citizenship minister, Brendan O’Connor, would allow a fast-tracking of that passport. 31-year old Ahmed played ten first-class matches in Pakistan before moving to Australia in 2010 as an asylum seeker.

O’Connor said, “The new instrument will include international cricket competitions as a specified activity and adds Cricket Australia to the list of organisations that may support an application. The proposed amendments will give the minister the discretion to provide a pathway to citizenship for a very small number of people in very exceptional circumstances where their becoming a citizen would be of benefit to Australia. Australia should be proud to call these people their own.”

National selector John Inverarity, while naming the squad, praised Fawad, saying, “Those of us who have seen him bowl have been very impressed with him. He’s a very good leg-spinner and yes he does remain in contention. We’ve selected 16 players and we state now that should the need arise we will add to the squad. We don’t know when he’s going to become eligible, but there’s always that possibility.”

Aussie skipper Michael Clarke, while expressing his views on the pressure it might put on the current lead spinner in the Australian team, Nathan Lyon, said, “I think Nathan is well and truly aware of that. He knows where he sits in the team. There is a lot of water under the bridge before we have to worry about the first Test match.”