Fawad Ahmed granted permanent visa

A regular net bowler for the Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers, Ahmed was thrust into the national spotlight last week when he was flown to Brisbane ahead of the opening Vodafone Test match against South Africa at the Gabba.

A spokesman for the Immigration Minister said in a statement: “The Immigration Minister 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, subject to the normal health and security checks which he’ll now undertake.”

Having last season broken a Victorian Turf Cricket Association record with 58 wickets at an average of 11 for Hoppers Crossing, including eight five-wicket hauls, Ahmed crossed to Melbourne Uni over the winter and has quickly picked up where he left off.

Since uniting with Melbourne Uni, Ahmed has claimed 12 wickets at 19.58 from six matches including figures of 5-68 against Hawthorn-Monash Uni last week.

“I’m grateful to the government and everyone who helped me with my application,” Ahmed said.

“It is overwhelming, I’m really happy.”

Ahmed’s dreams of one day playing at state level or in the KFC T20 Big Bash League, so this outcome brings him a step closer towards achieving those goals.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said the Minister’s decision was a fantastic result for Ahmed and for cricket.

“The Australian cricket community has really come together in support of Fawad, and we are just so thrilled with the news,” Mr Sutherland said.

“Cricket Australia would like to thank the Immigration Minister for his personal consideration of Fawad’s case, and for his decision to grant Fawad a permanent visa.

“This is proof that through cricket, we can help achieve life-changing outcomes for people.”

Cricket Victoria Chief Executive Officer Tony Dodemaide was equally delighted with the news and excited about Ahmed’s future prospects here in Australia.

“Fawad has made a significant contribution to Hoppers Crossing Cricket Club, Melbourne University Cricket Club and Cricket Victoria as a cricketer,” Mr Dodemaide said.

“Fawad is Cricket Victoria’s Multicultural Liaison Officer and Harmony in Cricket Ambassador, and we look forward to seeing further contributions from him, not only to the cricket community, but to the greater Victorian community as well.”

As a result of the Minister’s decision, Ahmed can now look to the future with confidence and certainty.

Cricket Victoria congratulates Fawad and looks forward to seeing him continue his outstanding contribution to cricket, both on and off the field.