Akhtar sent back home from England

Shoaib Akhtar's bid to join struggling Surrey in the English County Championship hit a hurdle Thursday when British authorities determined that he did not have the correct visa.

"He is on his way back home," a person close to the 33-year-old Pakistani fast bowler told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. "He will soon be going back after fulfilling the necessary visa formalities."

Akhtar had a valid visa to visit England but no a working visa, which is a prerequisite to play in county cricket.

Akhtar, who has not played first-class cricket since December, was hoping to join Surrey for its last three matches of the season.

ISLAMABAD, Thursday AP