(Transcript from World News Radio)
Fawad Ahmed is the newest recruit to the Big Bash cricket team, Sydney Thunder... just a month after the leg-spinner was named in the Australian Test squad for tours of England and West Indies.
The appointment continues a remarkable success story for the 33-year old who first came to Australia seeking asylum.
Abby Dinham has more.
He's hoping to be Australia's secret weapon in the upcoming Ashes series.
Fawad Ahmed's a star on the rise, after being unveiled as the Sydney Thunder's newest recruit.
Sydney Thunder General Manager Nick Cummins says Ahmed will be a great fit for the Thunder.
"We're really proud he's going to wear the lime green and come represent the Thunder nation as well so we're absolutely delighted and very excited ti have him for the next two Big Bash seasons."
The announcement continues the fairytale run of the Pakistan-born spinner.
In five years he's gone from an asylum seeker, to wearing the baggy green.
He says the experience has been surreal.
"It's going to be amazing I think, it's the dream moment for any cricketer, especially someone who is playing domestic cricket here, they are always looking to wear that baggy green."
Granted citizenship in 2013, he fled persecution in Pakistan for his affiliation with a group that was educating women.
Now Ahmed's success in Australia, has made him an icon in Pakistan
"They're really pleased, not just the family, the relatives and all my friends, the people around the country in Pakistan I'm getting mesages on the social media I'm getting support from those people."
A practising Muslim, Ahmed maintains strong religious beliefs.
His convictions infamously led to the removal of a beer logo from his One-Day International uniform, but he says everyone has been supportive of commitment to Islam.
"It's a free country, the good thing about this country. I had really good support from Cricket Australia and my friends around me and all over the world."
And after delivering 48 wickets in the Sheffield Shield, no one would question his dedication to the game.
With all of his family overseas, Fawad Ahmed has made a home in Australia's cricketing community.
He says at his Test debut in the West Indies next month, he intends to show them his appreciation.
"I have said I aim to take more wickets for my team to be the top wicket-taker when I get the opportunity and win more games for Australia."
Share
