Summary Pakistan-born Fawad Ahmed debuted for Australia this year in ODIs and T20 games.
SYDNEY, Dec 02, 2013 (AFP) - Pakistan-born cricketer Fawad Ahmed has been named Australia s Muslim sportsperson of the year, beating code-hopping rugby league superstar Sonny Bill Williams.
Cricket Australia, which worked to have Ahmed s citizenship fast-tracked earlier this year, welcomed the announcement of the award, which acknowledges the spin bowler s contribution to Australia s Muslim community.
"It shows that Fawad has achieved outstanding things both on and away from the cricket pitch, and we are very proud of him," said Cricket Australia s James Sutherland.
Ahmed debuted for Australia this year in one-day internationals and Twenty20 games, and playing for Australia A in Africa in July and August led the wicket-taking in the three and four-day matches with 15 wickets in three matches at 22.66.
He beat Sydney Roosters National Rugby League player Williams and Australian Football League player Bachar Houli for the award.
