YORKSHIRE have announced the signing of Shadab Khan for this year’s Vitality Blast competition.

The 23-year-old Khan already has a wealth of T20 experience for Pakistan, playing 64 matches and taking 73 wickets.

The leg-spinning batsman will be available to play for Yorkshire Vikings’ first five matches before returning for the final six matches of the group stage.

Darren Gough, Yorkshire’s managing director of cricket, said: “I have been watching the team from afar over the past four or five years and I think that we have lacked a couple of things that I would like to see. I would like our one day game to go in a different direction.

“Shadab Khan is someone who can bat at the top, bat in the middle order and hits the ball a long way.

“He is also an unbelievable spinner. You can imagine Shadab, Adil Rashid and Dom Bess bowling together, giving us a fantastic spin department.”

The all-rounder will join up with fellow Pakistan international Haris Rauf, who will be available for the first five Vitality Blast matches.

Yorkshire’s newest recruit Khan said: “I’m really excited to be heading to Yorkshire for the Blast.

“Ever since I started my cricketing journey it has always been a dream of mine to play county cricket. It will be made even more special with me being able to play alongside my good friend, Haris.

“I can’t wait to meet my team-mates and get going.”

Khan will join the Vikings subject to international clearance.