Pakistani bowler Fawad Ahmed almost in Ashes as Australia changes law

CANBERRA: The Australian government has introduced legislation to Parliament that could clear the way for Pakistani legspinner Fawad Ahmed to play for Australia in the forthcoming Ashes series against England starting July.

The 31-year-old is a permanent resident of Australia after being accepted as a refugee, but needs to  be an Australian citizen to become eligible for selection to Australia's test team.

Immigration Minister Brendan O'Connor introduced an amendment to citizenship law on Thursday that would give him discretion to make Ahmad a citizen.

 All major political parties have already given in-principle support, meaning the bill will likely become law next week. (AP)

AP