Former refugee signed by Melbourne's Twenty20 side

Melbourne:  The Melbourne Renegades have signed Pakistani legspinner and former refugee Fawad Ahmed to a one-year contract in Australia's domestic Twenty20 league.

Ahmed, who helped Australia prepare for the first test against South Africa because his delivery is similar to the visitors' legspinner Imran Tahir, was granted a permanent visa to remain in Australia last week.

Ahmed fled persecution in northern Pakistan two years ago after receiving death threats from religious extremists who accused him of promoting Western values.

Renegades' chief executive Stuart Coventry said in a statement Thursday that Ahmed is "now ready to explore the depths of his talent without the stress of hanging on for a decision to be made regarding his refugee status ... he is a genuine talent."