Ahmed's family welcomes Oz citizenship decision as 'chance to wreak havoc on England in Ashes'

Australia's decision to give citizenship to Pakistani-origin leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed has been welcomed by his family and friends, who hope that the player gets the chance to wreak havoc on England's batsmen during the Ashes.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Ahmed can now feature in Australia's effort to reclaim the Ashes, starting in Nottingham from July 10, after his bid for citizenship was accepted on Tuesday.

Expressing happiness over Ahmed's citizenship, Ahmed's elder brother Sajjad said that the news means trouble for England given that the team was bamboozled in 2012 in Pakistan's 3-0 rout of England in the United Arab Emirates by spinner Saeed Ajmal, who had taken 24 wickets.

Stating that Ahmed is talented enough to make his mark, Aamir Nawab, president of Ahmed's local regional cricket association, also said that Ahmed's case would open more avenues for those who get discouraged in Pakistan.

Pakistani leg-spinner Yasir Shah, also Ahmed's cousin, said that Ahmed has a good chance of making it big, with his height an added advantage, and can baffle England batsmen in the Ashes, adding that he is looking forward to the prospect of playing for Pakistan with Ahmed in Australian colours.

Shah joked that if that chance comes, then he will not hesitate to make fun of Ahmed's bowling and warn him not to bowl against Pakistani bowlers, as they are good players of spin, unlike the English.

Ahmed played just 10 first-class games in Pakistan with little success and sought political asylum in Australia, claiming death threats from the Taliban because he was involved in a charity promoting women's education, the report added.