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Controversial Akhtar to join up with struggling Surrey

07/09/2008

Controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar will join Surrey tomorrow to try and save them from relegation.

The Pakistani paceman will be available for their final two games in Division One of the County Championship.

Akhtar, 33, is expected to make his debut in the clash with Hampshire at the Oval. He will also play in Saturday's game against Leicester in the NatWest Pro40 followed by the final game of the season at home to Nottinghamshire.

The bowler was set to make his debut in the rain-affected draw with Kent but was sent back to Pakistan after arriving at Heathrow airport on Thursday with the wrong visa.

Because of Akhtar's arrival as Surrey's overseas player, Australian Matthew Nicholson has today left the Brown Caps by mutual consent.

The New South Wales player, 33, was Surrey's overseas player for 2007 and 2008. He took 93 wickets in all competitions and scored 925 runs.

Surrey's manager, Alan Butcher, said Nicholson will be fondly remembered having been the player of the year in 2007.

"Unfortunately, Matt's season this year has been blighted by illness which has affected his performance," Butcher told the club's website.

"However, he has never given anything less than 100% and leaves behind many friends in the Surrey dressing room who will miss his positive attitude."