Younis Khan signs for Yorkshire

Younis Khan, the Pakistan batsman, has signed a one-year deal with Yorkshire for next summer. Younis, who is currently in action for Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy in India, will be available to Yorkshire at the end of April following the World Cup in the Caribbean.

The deal was made possible with the financial assistance of ABDN, a business support network who assist in the development of minority ethnics in the community. "Without doubt, Younis Khan is one of the leading batsmen in the world and we are delighted to have secured his signature," Stewart Regan, Yorkshire's chief executive said. "The deal would not have been possible without the financial support of ABDN and we are extremely grateful for their assistance.

"We hope that this signing will act as a catalyst for the club to strengthen links with the significant Asian presence in Yorkshire and we look forward to generating additional support in 2007 and beyond."

Earlier this month Younis, who resigned from his post as Pakistan captain, claimed he was Yorkshire's new captain following the retirement of Darren Lehmann and Craig White. The rumours were rebuffed by the club and no mention of his role, other than as a batsman, was made in the statement released today. Younis's signing follows yesterday's news that the club are in talks with Chris Adams, the Sussex captain, who is yet to confirm his decision.

"I know that players like Michael Vaughan and Matthew Hoggard play at Yorkshire," Younis said, "and also legends such as Geoffrey Boycott and Sir Leonard Hutton played there many years ago. It will be an honour to follow these cricketers and play at Headingley."

It is expected Younis will take part in the planned International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Charity match in June 2007 at Headingley, where he will play in a mixed team with Asian and Western celebrities plus other sporting personalities.