Shoaib Akhtar denied entry to London
Thu, September 11 2008
Shoaib went to London after being asked to play for Surrey for the rest of the season.
According to officials, Shoaib’s visa was not valid and despite having a work permit didn’t have the right documents to play professional cricket in England.
“It is really disappointing,” said Shoaib, who was scheduled to play his first match for Surrey against Kent in Canterbury last 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.
Surrey chief executive 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 because of injury or suspension since last December, when he spearheaded Pakistan’s attack in a drawn Test against India in Bangalore.
Last year, he was suspended for 13 One-day International matches and fined $56,000 on discipline charges that included hitting teammate Mohammed Asif. He is also appealing a five-year ban for disorderly conduct.
Shoaib, who has played 46 Tests and 138 one-day internationals for Pakistan, has represented three counties, Somerset, Worcestershire and Durham. He also signed with Nottinghamshire, but didn’t play.
Tell us what you think
Reader comments are edited for clarity and may be selected to appear in the print version of the Asian Pacific Post.
