Cricket Australia's trying to fast track the citizenship application of Pakistan-born leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed ahead of this year's Ashes series.
The 31-year-old plays for Queensland after he fled his homeland, saying he was persecuted by religious extremists.
He was granted Australian residency in January and took 7-162 on his first-class debut.
Full citizenship would allow him to play for Australia when the Ashes begin at Trent Bridge on July 10th.
