Yorkshire seal Rana signature

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan has agreed a deal to join Yorkshire for two seasons © Getty Images

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Yorkshire have completed the signing of Pakistan bowler Rana Naved-ul-Hasan on a two-year deal.

The 29-year-old was a key part of the Sussex side who won this season’s LV County Championship but was told he could leave Hove due to next year’s ruling which restricts counties to one overseas player, with compatriot Mushtaq Ahmed taking that role.

Rana, who has played nine Tests and 62 one-day internationals, chose to join the Headingley Carnegie side despite interest from Leicestershire, who are looking to strengthen their fast bowling ranks following the departure of England seamer Stuart Broad to Nottinghamshire.

Rana is set to link up with the Tykes in March but will undergo a thorough medical examination at the end of the year as Yorkshire assess his recovery from a horror injury to his right shoulder.

Rana sustained the problem earlier this month while playing for Sussex at Chester-le-Street, where he slid into advertising hoardings and forced a 50-minute halt to play while paramedics dealt with his injury.

The Pakistan star’s contract includes a get-out clause should his rehabilitation not go to plan, but Yorkshire chief executive Stewart Regan is confident he will be fit to play a full part in the county’s tilt for honours next season.

Rana admitted he is relishing the opportunity he has been given by the White Rose county.

Director of cricket Martyn Moxon is delighted to have secured Rana's services

“I’m really looking forward to playing for Yorkshire,” he said. “I know the county very well after playing club cricket here a few years ago and like the place and people very much.

“I’m excited about the challenges ahead over the next two years and look forward to playing a big part in moving Yorkshire further up the table in all competitions and winning silverware for the club.”

Rana's enthusiasm was shared by Yorkshire’s director of cricket Martyn Moxon, who says the player brings proven international experience to the side.

“We have signed someone who is a proven wicket-taker,” Moxon said. “He has had a tremendous time at Sussex and is someone who can offer us a great deal both on and off the pitch.

“He has a massive amount of international and county experience. He knows county cricket and I am sure we can all learn from him over the next two seasons.”

Yorkshire chief executive Stewart Regan also addressed any concern over the player’s fitness following his shoulder injury.

“We have signed him for two years subject to medical checks on his injured right shoulder which will take place in early December 2007," Regan said.

“We are confident that, following physiotherapy over the last two weeks at Sussex, he will make a speedy recovery and we look forward to welcoming him to Headingley Carnegie in March next year.

“He has a fabulous track record as a fast bowler and will complement our existing bowling attack next year and is undoubtedly a quality signing for Yorkshire.”