Islamabad: Pakistan-born cricketer Fawad Ahmed has been named Australia`s Muslim sportsperson of the year, beating code-hopping rugby league superstar Sonny Bill Williams, according to reports.
According to the Daily Times, 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.
CA`s James Sutherland said that it showed Ahmed had achieved outstanding things both on and away from the cricket pitch.
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, the report said.
He beat Sydney Roosters National Rugby League player Williams and Australia n Football League player Bachar Houli for the award, the report added.
