The Immigration Department thought the case was “borderline” for granting Pakistani leg spinner Fawad Ahmed a permanent visa and then Australian citizenship, according to media reports.
The Pakistan-born cricketer last year had his application for Australian citizenship approved, ending four years of stress and uncertainty.
Ahmed originally came to Australia as an asylum seeker and finally became a citizen after changes to federal legislation fast-tracked his application.
Ahmed generated plenty of excitement in local cricket circles with his spin-bowling ability, and Cricket Australia lobbyists reportedly pushed for him to get a passport in time for the 2013 Ashes series in England.
However, government briefing documents and others obtained under Freedom Of Information are said to show the Immigration Department considered his case was “borderline” from the beginning.
The ABC reported that the department was worried his case “may result in an adverse impact” on other asylum seekers “who apply through the normal channels”.
The spinner was given special treatment from both political big parties due to sustained pressure from cricket interests, the report also claims.
Ahmed’s claim for asylum was initially rejected by both the Immigration Department and Refugee Review Tribunal.
Armchair expert
Guest
Ahmed's shield position is also "borderline".
AlanKC
Guest
"Now how about those Cowboys for the NRL flag" - I'm still hoping Felix!
Felix
Guest
I don't want to turn The Roar all political, but this is an innately political article anyhow. "The ABC reported that the department was worried his case “may result in an adverse impact” on other asylum seekers “who apply through the normal channels”... I don't think the ABC is the best reference of fair journalism at the present regarding anything to do with asylum, its seekers of it, or those trying to administer it. Now how about those Cowboys for the NRL flag.
Cantab
Guest
Did he take someone else's place who had a better case? (Eg a quota system) If not...then this a complete non event. If he did then I guess there is a bit if an ethical issue there...but being 'borderline' doesn't make his claim for asylum incorrect. They should have just pushed through as a skilled immigrant
Spooky
Guest
The guy was getting persecuted for playing cricket, that should be grounds enough.
AlanKC
Guest
The only real loser from this will be the player - the politicians involved will either be teflon coated or long departed.
JGK
Roar Guru
Except that that player wanted to be "stolen". I feel sorry for Fawad now that this out.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
I have to say I am utterly shocked that Cricket Australia may have used questionable tactics to steal a player from one of the lesser countries.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Better send him to the nearest gulag then.