LONDON, Sept 1: Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been targetted by English county side Surrey who are fighting relegation from the first division of the county championship.

Surrey look set for the drop as they are bottom of the table by 18 points with three matches to play and two teams going down.

But cricket manager Alan Butcher is planning to have Shoaib available in time for next week’s match against title-chasing Kent at Canterbury.

“We have made contact, we have spoken with him. We are just waiting to see whether it’s possible,” said Butcher. “We’ve got three matches left and we need something to happen.”

One potential snag is legal documentation which requires all overseas players to spend at least three weeks in this country.

Shoaib, 33, is hoping to press his claims for a recall to the Pakistan team, with his five-year ban following altercations with the national board recently rescinded.—AFP