SYDNEY: Australia’s chief selector John Inverarity says Pakistani asylum-seeker Fawad Ahmed will be in contention for a place in the Ashes squad to tour England if he is granted citizenship in time.
The 31-year-old leg-spinner was handed a permanent visa to remain in Australia in November after leaving his home in the border region near Afghanistan, where he said he was targeted.
But to play for Australia in the Ashes from July he needs fast-track citizenship and an Australian passport.
Otherwise, under International Cricket Council (ICC) rules, he will not become available until August 18, before the fifth Test at the Oval.
“Fawad Ahmad is a mature and very good leg-spinner,” said Inverarity. “He will certainly come under consideration for the Ashes series against England. It will all be considered on merit. He will be treated no differently from anybody else.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 29th, 2013.
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