Yorkshire confirm Younis will play

Younis Khan: almost ready to board his flight © AFP

Yorkshire have confirmed that Younis Khan will be available for their opening Championship match, against Surrey at The Oval, despite speculation that his county stint would be prevented by the Pakistan board.

Younis will join up with his team-mates on April 16 ahead of his debut for Yorkshire two days later and he said: "I am aware the PCB have expressed concerns about the fitness levels of some of our players and are unhappy about their involvement in county cricket.

"However, I have played a lot of domestic cricket in Pakistan and am very fit right now. I will definitely be playing for Yorkshire next week."

Pakistan are scheduled to play in Abu Dhabi against Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series in May, but Younis has told Yorkshire that he has discussed the situation with the PCB and is unlikely to be involved.

Yorkshire chief executive Stewart Regan added: "We have had clearance from the PCB that Younis can play for the Club and are unsure as to why concerns have been expressed about his availability. Flights are booked and he joins us on Saturday."

The PCB have already prevented Younis's team-mate, Umar Gul, from taking up his contract with Gloucestershire after concerns over his fitness.