The son of legendary Pakistan wrist spinner Abdul Qadir will reportedly be named in the nation's Test squad for their tour of West Indies despite having no first-grade experience after he became the subject of a tug-of-war for his services between Australia and his native land.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, after the announcement of former Pakistani refugee Fawad Ahmed's citizenship, senior Australian cricket figures have their eye on Usman Qadir, who is another talented young leg-spinner from the subcontinent with the added bonus of having a famous surname.
The report further said that the 19-year-old Qadir had spent last summer playing club cricket in Adelaide and with South Australia's Futures League team and has reported interest in returning next season and then pledging his allegiance to Australia.
However, the report added that there were speculations that the Pakistan Cricket Board would make him a shock inclusion in its squad for their tour of the West Indies this month and pick him simply to ensure he remains in their ranks, in what is viewed as a move to force young Qadir's hand and stave off keen interest from Australia.
According to South Australia's director of cricket Jamie Cox, although Qadir has shown some interest in representing Australia, he is aware that the youngster is also of significant interest to his home system, adding that they are carefully going through their options after the speculations arose.
Stating that they have made it clear to Qadir about making a more firm commitment if he wants to return back to South Australia, Cox said that he thinks that the teenager is considering his options both in Pakistan and in Australian cricket.
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Cox further said that although the case of Qadir is different from Ahmed's one, they have spoken to Cricket Australia about it given that Qadir has good genetics and talent.
However, Qadir had reportedly said that although he had been 'offered to play for Australia', he has not yet made a decision, adding that he has left the final decision in his father's hands.
Qadir, a Pakistan under-19 representative last year, starred in the Adelaide club competition last summer, and was called up by the Redbacks for the interstate second XI competition, before flying home early after being involved in a minor car accident.
The dearth of leg-spin talent in Australia has fuelled interest in both Ahmed and Qadir, but the sudden elevation of the teenager into Pakistan's national squad could throw a significant spanner in the works, the report added.
