How cricket helped Rizwan turn a visa struggle into a happy, successful life
ALI Rizwan and his family were knocked back for a permanent visa by the Australian government. But a last-ditch effort by the president of the Parramatta District Cricket Club enabled them to stay.
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FROM being unwanted by Australia due to visa issues, Ali Rizwan is now a much wanted member for the Sydney Thunder Nation Cup All-Stars and has even been invited to bowl to international teams at net practices.
Cricket has always been a big part of Rizwan’s life and in a strange twist, it has also helped him and his family stay in Australia.
After Rizwan and his family were knocked back for a permanent visa by the Australian government — his mother Gul died in Sydney while their appeals were being heard — it was the president of the Parramatta District Cricket Club who made a successful last ditch effort through the local MP which has enabled them to stay.
Remarkably, The Ponds local is not bitter about the whole experience and is determined to make the most of his opportunities.
At his best, Rizwan can run up speeds of 130km and bowled to the Australia and New Zealand teams at the nets before their recent one day international at the SCG and the Indian batsmen last year.
“Bowling to the Australians and New Zealanders was a good challenge and helped me better understand how international cricketers go about their business,” Rizwan, 27, said.
“I also got some valuable insights from (New Zealand’s speedsters) Tim Southee and Trent Boult.
“It helped my confidence because I felt like I bowled quite well and my pace was up there with most of the guys except Lockie Ferguson, who bowls 150km-plus.
“As a member of the Thunder team we have played against the Lahore Qalanders in T20 and will also play a couple of games against Delhi Daredevil Academy in January.”
In 1996, Rizwan’s family of four moved to Australia where they lived and worked for several years before his dad took them to the US for a stint before returning to Sydney and the battle for residency.
“It was stressful times and I only knew Australia having come here when I was a baby,” Rizwan said.
“My mum passed away in 2007 and with our migration application refused by Amanda Vanstone, there were very turbulent times for us.
“I was playing for Parramatta at that time and fortunately the president of the club, Greg Monaghan, helped us a lot by contacting the local MP Julie Owen who then wrote a letter to the then immigration minister Kevin Andrews.”
According to Rizwan, following this intervention, they are now able to stay.
“We are grateful to Parramatta cricket club for their help,” Rizwan said.
“I got my love for cricket from my dad, who played first-class cricket for Pakistan International Airlines and knows Imran Khan.
“I have learnt a lot playing for Thunder because of the high-class coaches, including Mark Waugh.”
Rizwan is studying at the Western Sydney University and works at the Castle Towers.
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He is married to Ashleigh and they have a son, Adam.
“We are happy and all this has shown us not to take any of this for granted,” Rizwan said.
His father, a double masters degree holder, lives in Sydney while his brother Reza is an engineer in Melbourne.
Thunder nation Pakistan will take on their Indian counterparts in the cup game at Spotless Stadium on January 18.
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