Shoiab Akhtar Surrey Interest Spoiled At Heathrow Airport

It seems that lady luck is not on the side of Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar. The controversial fast bowler, who flew to London on Wednesday to play county cricket, was told by the authorities at the Heathrow Airport that a working visa was needed to play professional cricket in England and his tourist visa was not sufficient. Although the Pakistan Cricket Board had given Akhtar a No Objection Certificate (NOC), clearing the way for him to play in Surrey’s last three County Championship matches, the visa problems mean that the plan has been put on hold. Akhtar, who arrived back home on Thursday, is likely to complete his documents in two days and fly to London on Sunday or Monday.

Surrey look set for relegation from Division One as they are bottom of the County Championship table with 18 points with three matches to go. They recruited Akhtar for their last three matches. Akhtar is very disappointed after the incident. He was scheduled to play his first match for Surrey against Kent in Canterbury. “I was eagerly looking forward to play for Surrey and will now try again to go to London if the required documents are complete,” he told reporters on Thursday.