Aspiring Pakistani cricketer granted Australia asylum
Fawad Ahmed. -Photo courtesy ABC News video
SYDNEY: A Pakistani asylum-seeker and leg-spin bowler who helped Australia as they prepared for the first Test against South Africa was Thursday rewarded with a permanent visa to stay in the country.
Fawad Ahmed, who left his home in the border region near Afghanistan to come to Australia on a short-stay visa to play cricket in 2010, was granted his wish to stay after the personal intervention of Immigration Minister Chris Bowen.
“Chris Bowen has personally considered Mr Ahmed’s case and decided to grant a permanent visa for him to be able to stay, work and play cricket in Australia,” an immigration spokesman said.
Ahmed, 30, has previously said he was targeted by extremists in Pakistan because of his involvement in cricket, even receiving death threats because of the perception that the sport promotes Western values.
At the urging of opener Ed Cowan, Australia decided to use him in the nets for batting practice during the South Africa series because of the similarities in his bowling to the Proteas’ leg-spinner Imran Tahir.
Ahmed is familiar with naturalised South African Tahir, having played against him when they were both in Pakistan’s domestic cricket.
“We have all been touched by his story and immensely proud of how far he has come,” said Cowan, who has been a mentor and friend of the player.
Ahmed, who dreams of one day playing at state level or in the T20 Big Bash League, said he was overjoyed.
“I’m grateful to the government and everyone who helped me with my application. It is overwhelming, I’m really happy,” he said.
Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland said the minister’s decision was a fantastic result for cricket.
“The Australian cricket community has really come together in support of Fawad, and we are just so thrilled with the news,” he said.
“This is proof that through cricket, we can help achieve life-changing outcomes for people.”
Funniest way to fool all of Australia.
Shame us and on our Politicians who are in Pakistan who could not prevent our talented youngsters talking asylum and playing for another country.
he looks lik an australian…deserves a nationality too…
If every one in Pakistan takes asylum in foreign countries then who is going to stay in Pakistan?
There are a lot of these cases where people conduct Asylum fraud, since its easy to ‘fake’ their way into western countries who think everyone is being persecuted in Pakistan. I’m sure the AUSSIES wanted him and Asylum was just the quickest way to do it, otherwise their system seems flimsy.
Pakistan was created as a safe haven for the muslims of the Indian subcontinent. It is ridiculous for a true muslim to seek asylum in another country. He must not be a true muslim and wants to defame Pakistan. After all, it is the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, where every muslim is free to practice his religion.
I think all decent Pakistanis have no other option but to leave Pakistan for the country has been taken over by barbarians
Nice buddy……I am happy, because, atleast Fawad followed a LEGAL way of getting visa………………..hahahahahah
Remember Malala !
Gilani would approve!
Getting Death Threats is only an excuse for getting the immigration. Are all domestic cricketers in Pakistan getting death threats?
Heartwarming story.
good fake story to get asylum