Australian cricketer Fawad Ahmed calls it a day on his first-class career

The Pakistan-born cricketer who now plays cricket in Australia calls it a day on his First-Class career on Tuesday. The 37-year-old southpaw took this decision after reflecting on the upcoming schedule and wishes to make his case for the upcoming World Cup. 

Fawad, who featured in three One-day Internationals and two T20 games in 2013 believes that he still has it in him to play at the supreme level and make a difference in the current Australian lineup. In his overall career, Fawad Ahmed has featured in 62 first-class games and scalped over 200 wickets of which 19 were Abbottabad in Pakistan.

Speaking to cricket.com.au, Fawad said, "I'm a cricket 'nuffie' so it was pretty hard for me. I love four-day cricket. The way I train and the way I love the game - I have spent hours and hours in the nets and enjoyed my time both on the field and off the field.”

"It was a very tough decision, but that was the (best) available option and that was (what) the future looks like. There is an end for everything. I still love the game - one-day, T20 or four-day cricket - but for me, the only available option was white-ball cricket so I'm going to continue to play 50-overs and T20."

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He played this Big Bash Season for Sydney Thunders and snarled 13 wickets in 14 encounters at a decent economy of 7.02. The next assignment for Fawad will start in weeks’ time as he will be playing for Quetta Gladiators in the fourth edition of the Pakistan Super League.

"If I get selected against Pakistan, that would be great," he said. "I'm not expecting anything but if something came up, I've been bowling really well for the last few years.

"Performance-wise I'm in a good position and fitness-wise I'm pretty good as well. If something like that came up, it'd be nice to play with my teammates again, otherwise, I'm very grateful for what I've had over the last six-seven years here in Victoria."

He also cleared that his decision to hang his boots was well discussed with his skipper and team management. "They were all pretty happy for me whatever decision I took. This wasn't ideal for me because I wanted to play cricket, I wouldn't be able to play any cricket with Victoria if I was staying for the last couple of months of the summer."

"The best option was to move on and to get some cricket over there (in the PSL) in the near future. If something happens regarding Australia or anything, that (playing in the PSL) would really help my cause as well because I'll be in touch with white-ball cricket."

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fawad Ahmed calls it a day on his first-class cricketer. 
• He still eyes to be a part of the Australian World Cup team. 
• Fawad will be playing for Quetta Gladiators in PSL.