Surrey-bound Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar was on Thursday sent home by British immigration officials after landing at Heathrow airport without a valid working visa.
The 33-year-old controversial fast bowler arrived for a short stint with English county side Surrey in the Division One Championship.
Although Akhtar had a work permit, which is required to play county cricket in England, he did not have other necessary documents.
"We did everything we could to get him here, but it hasn't worked out. We thought he'd make an impact as he wanted to get his career up and running again," Surrey chief executive Paul Sheldon said.
The ace bowler is however hopeful of returning to London by the weekend.
"I am hopeful of getting a work visa soon and hope to fly out to the UK on Saturday," he said