Fawad Ahmed has been announced as the newest recruit to the Big Bash cricket team, Sydney Thunder, just a month after the leg-spinner was named in the test squad for tours of England and West Indies.
The appointment caps off a remarkable success story for the 33-year-old, who first came to Australia as an asylum seeker.
Sydney Thunder General Manager Nick Cummins said Ahmed would 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 to have him for the next two Big Bash seasons,” Cummins said.
The announcement continues the fairytale run of the Pakistan-born spinner.
"It's the dream moment for any cricketer,” Ahmed said. “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 non-government organisation that was educating women.
Now Ahmed's success in Australia has made him an icon in Pakistan.
"They are all really pleased,” he said. “Not just the family [but] the relatives and all my friends, the people around the country in Pakistan. I'm getting messages on the social media.”
With all of his family overseas, Ahmed has made a home in Australia's cricketing community. He said at his test debut in the West Indies next month he intended 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," he said.
A practising Muslim, Ahmed maintained strong religious beliefs.
His convictions infamously led to the removal of a beer logo from his one-day international uniform, but he said everyone had been supportive of commitment to Islam.
"This is such a free country. I had really good support from Cricket Australia and my friends around me and all over the world,” he said.
Share
