Shoaib cleared to play for Surrey

Shoaib has been plagued by both injury and controversy in recent years

Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been cleared to play for Surrey in their remaining games this season.

The 33-year-old flew to Britain last week but was sent back because he did not have the correct visa.

But Shoaib is now back in England with the appropriate documentation and will play in the Championship game against Hampshire that starts on Tuesday.

"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.

The club need to win their final two Championship matches against Hampshire and Notts to have any chance to avoiding relegation.

And they need the extra firepower Shoaib will provide after Australian seamer Matt Nicholson's contract was terminated by mutual consent.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had previously approved Shoaib's surprise return to English county cricket because he needs to regain match fitness.

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The board had previously been wary of its fast bowlers playing county cricket with Umar Gul and Rao Iftikhar having been refused permission to play in England.

"Shoaib's case is a bit different," said PCB chief operating officer Shaqfqat Naghmi.

"He has been out of competitive cricket for quite some time and needs to regain his match fitness. We believe a short county stint might help him in doing that."

"If I can manage to help them win some games it will be such a good thing."

Shoaib has previously played for Somerset, Worcestershire and Durham.

In a chequered career, Shoaib has played 46 Tests and 138 one-day matches for Pakistan, and also had spells with Somerset, Worcestershire and Durham.