Paceman Akhtar cleared to play for Surrey
Surrey hoping Shoaib Akhtar can keep them in division one
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Monday, 08, Sep 2008 08:58
Pakistan star Shoaib Akhtar has been granted permission to play for Surrey in their last two County Championship games.
The 33-year-old signed a short-term contract last week, but was forced to go back home because he only had a visa which allowed him to visit England. Akhtar has now returned with a work visa and will make his debut against Hampshire tomorrow.
Surrey desperately need Akhtar to perform for them if they are to have any hope of avoiding relegation. They sit bottom of division one and need to win their games against Hampshire and Nottinghamshire to have any chance of staying up.
"My priority right now is Surrey, I want to go out there and perform," Shoaib told BBC London 94.9. "When I run in I want to make sure I take wickets - it will be nice to take some wickets and help Surrey.
"I have sorted out the visa problem and it is great to be part of such a historic club. I will try my level best."
Akhtar is looking to regain form and fitness by playing for Surrey so he can force himself back into the Pakistan national team. He is on his way back after successfully overturning a five year ban from international cricket for criticising Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials.