Yorkshire sign Pakistan batter Ul-Haq for run-in

Imam Ul-Haq had scores of 90, 5 not out, 5, 0, 25 and 52 during a three-match spell with Somerset in 2022, the last time he played in the County Championship

Yorkshire have signed Pakistan batter Imam Ul-Haq as an overseas player for the remainder of the season.

The 29-year-old comes replaces India's Ruturaj Gaikwad, who will not be joining Yorkshire for their final five County Championship fixtures and One-Day Cup campaign.

Gaikwad had agreed a deal which would begin from Tuesday's game against reigning champions Surrey at Scarborough but pulled out for personal reasons.

Ul-Haq, who previously had a short-term spell with Somerset in 2022 when he played three County Championship games, will now go straight into Yorkshire's squad to face the Division One leaders.

"We're delighted that Imam has joined us and that he will be available immediately," general manager of cricket Gavin Hamilton said.

"Whilst we were naturally disappointed that Ruturaj couldn't join up with the squad, in Imam we have an exceptional player of proven international quality.

"Imam has an impressive record and is already familiar with domestic cricket in this country which will stand us in good stead for a crucial block of fixtures."

Ul-Haq has played 24 Tests, 75 one-dayers and two T20 internationals for Pakistan, scoring a combined total of 4,741 runs, including 12 centuries.

He also helped Pakistan Television win the domestic President's Trophy earlier this year.