Without mentioning Fawad Ahmed by name, Immigration Minister Brendan O'Connor has introduced to federal parliament a bill that paves the way for the Pakistan-born leg-spinner to become an Australian citizen before the Ashes.

Under proposed amendments to citizenship laws, the minister would have discretionary powers to fast-track the claims of people whose work benefits Australia, and who cannot meet the normal residency requirements, which dictate they must have been in the country for at least four years.

Fawad Ahmed. Credit:Rohan Thomson

O'Connor said changes to the act in 2009, which allowed two European-raised tennis players and a Russian speed-skater to represent Australia, "do not adequately cover the field".

"The new (legislative) instrument will include international cricket competitions as a specified activity and adds Cricket Australia to the list of organisations that may support an application," O'Connor said in reading the Australian Citizenship Amendment (special residence requirements) bill 2013.