London: Pakistan pace sensation Shoaib Akthar has been sent back from London as he could not show them his working visa. Akthar was to make his debut against Kent at Canterbury today, but Surrey said that, although a work permit had been received for him, his visa will not allow him to enter the country as a professional cricketer.
According to reports, Akthar's visa was not valid and despite having a work permit, didn"t have the oroper documents to play professional cricket in England.
Shoaib was very disappointed after the incident. He was scheduled to play his first match for Surrey against Kent in Canterbury Thursday.
‘I was eagerly looking forward to play for Surrey and will now try again to go to London Saturday if the required documents are complete," he added.
Chief Executive of Surrey Paul Sheldon said: ‘We did everything we could to get him here, but it hasn"t worked out. We thought he"d make an impact as he wanted to get his career up and running again."
The Rawalpindi Express has been out of international action since last December when he spearheaded Pakistan"s attack in a drawn Test against India in Bangalore because of injury or suspension.
Akthar had played 46 tests and 138 one-day internationals for Pakistan. He had also represented has three counties, Somerset, Worcestershire and Durham.
Shoaib, who has played 46 Tests and 138 one-day internationals for Pakistan, has represented three counties, Somerset, Worcestershire and Durham. He also signed for Nottinghamshire but did not play for them.
Agencies
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