August 17, 2007	Friday	Sha’aban 3, 1428

LONDON, Aug 16: Pakistan's former skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq is to play for Yorkshire for the rest of this season, the English county side announced on Thursday. The 37-year-old batsman will replace international team-mate Younis Khan, who is leaving to link up with Pakistan ahead of next month's World Twenty20 Championship in South Africa.

A statement on the county's website read: “Yorkshire have stated their determination to maintain their challenge for the Championship title in the strongest possible terms by signing former Pakistan Test captain Inzamam-ul-Haq.”

The agreement is subject to approval by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Inzamam stood down as captain of his country and brought the curtain down on his One-day International career after Pakistan's ignominious exit from the World Cup.

“Involvement with Yorkshire means that his first-class career is still very much alive,” the Yorkshire statement added.

“I was approached by Yorkshire county for a short stint and I have accepted it, as I see it as a great opportunity to keep my fitness for a hectic international season,” said Inzamam.

He will play three four-day matches and as many one-day matches, after Younis is released.

This will be the first time Inzamam has represented an English county in an illustrious career that took off with Pakistan's World Cup triumph in Australia in 1992.

Pakistan selectors have said Inzamam, who is not known for his athleticism, will have to prove his fitness for a place in the home series against South Africa in late September.

Inzamam needs just 20 runs to beat Javed Miandad's 8,832 in 124 Tests as Pakistan's leading Test scorer.

Inzamam was also considering an offer to play in the breakaway Indian Cricket League which is offering lucrative contracts to international players.—AFP