By IANS
London : Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq will join Yorkshire as a short-term replacement for compatriot Younis Khan, who will be on international duty for Pakistan at next month’s Twenty20 World Championships in South Africa.
Inzamam is likely to feature in three county championship games and up to three Pro40 fixtures, providing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) approves the deal.
“I have accepted a short-term contract because I have never experienced playing for a county,” he told BBC Sport.
“I see my stint with Yorkshire as a good opportunity to get ready for a hectic international season for Pakistan.”
Inzamam resigned as Pakistan skipper and quit one-day internationals after the team’s ignominious first-round exit from the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean.
But the 37-year-old is eager to continue a Test career which has so far seen him score 8,813 runs in 119 matches at an average of 50.07, just 20 less than Javed Miandad’s Pakistan record.
PCB selectors have, however, indicated that he must prove his fitness and form in order to be considered for the home series against South Africa that follows the Twenty20.
Yorkshire, meanwhile, believe Inzamam can help rejuvenate their title hopes following last week’s innings defeat by arch-rivals Lancashire.
A county statement said they had “stated their determination to maintain their challenge for the title in the strongest possible terms” with such a high-profile signing.
The statement added: “Inzamam has said that he wants to continue playing Test cricket, but he was not given a contract by the Pakistan board last month.
“His involvement with Yorkshire means that his first-class career is still very much alive.”
Inzamam has also been approached about the possibility of playing in the rebel Indian Cricket League later this year.
“I’m discussing the terms and conditions with them and if they’re right I will certainly play,” he said last month.
He could be joined by fellow Pakistani Imran Farhat, who has asked the PCB to terminate his central contract after being omitted from the Twenty20 squad.
“Look at what has been happening to me in the last five or six years, merit has taken a back seat. I am a professional cricketer and I have to think about my future,” Farhat has said.