Shoaib off to London for Surrey sojourn

Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar is off to London for a short three-match Surrey stint which could start as early as on Thursday (today).

“I am full of confidence and hope that I manage to play the remaining three first class matches for Surrey and we get maximum points to avoid relegation,” Shoaib said.

If all goes well, Shoaib can play the first class match against Kent, the table toppers in the championship. Kent, who are third in the table, have Shoaib’s city mate Yasir Arafat in their ranks.

A fit-again Shoaib Akhtar is looking forward to his Surrey stint

Shoaib hoped the weather and cricket atmosphere will suit him. “I was training in hot and humid conditions of Lahore so playing in England would be a great relief. I hope they (Surrey) have finalised all formalities and I take field on Thursday. I am dying to take field for I have not played a first class match for eight months now.”

Surrey’s next match will be against Hamshire starting on September 9. They also have a Pro40 game against Leicestershire, which Shoaib may not be required to play. The last first class match will be against top on the table Nottinghamshire - a county for which Shoaib signed in 2000 but could never take field for them due to injury.

“I have had those sore memories of Nottinghamshire. I was so desperate to play at that time but suffered injury on the tour of the West Indies.

“May be it was not in my destiny. I hope that I will compensate for that loss with the stint against Surrey.”