Cricket Australia permits Fawad Ahmed to wear a sponsorless shirt

Fawad Ahmed of Australia is awarded his first cap by George Bailey of Australia during the 1st NatWest Series T20 match between England and Australia at Ageas Bowl on August 29, 2013 in Southampton, England.

Cricket Australia has given a go-ahead to Fawad Ahmed wearing an unbranded shirt, one which will not have the sponsorship logo of beer brand VB in compliance to the Pakistan born leg-spinner’s religious faith.

Ahmed, who became an Australian citizen in July after his application got expedited, was seen wearing a sponsorless shirt on his international debut against England in the recently concluded T20 series.

Mike McKenna, Cricket Australia’s executive general manager for operations, was quoted as saying: “Fawad expressed discomfort with the conflict this created for him, due to his religious beliefs.

“Cricket Australia and Carlton United Breweries (CUB) are respectful of Fawad’s personal beliefs and have agreed with his request to wear an unbranded shirt.

“CUB have been a long-standing partner of Australian cricket for more than 17 years and Fawad was thankful for their understanding of his personal situation.”