Shan Masood, the Pakistan opening batter, has been confirmed as Yorkshire's new overseas signing, after signing a two-year deal ahead of the 2023 season.
Masood, 32, has been a revelation for Derbyshire this summer, scoring 1,779 runs in all competitions so far, but as revealed by ESPNcricinfo, the temptation and prestige of joining Yorkshire was a big incentive for the player.
"I'm delighted to have signed for Yorkshire," Masood said. "The pedigree and the history of Yorkshire CCC is massive and to play at Headingley week in week out is a dream. To follow in the footsteps of the three Pakistan captains (Inzamam ul Haq, Younis Khan and Sarfaraz Ahmed) that have represented Yorkshire is really exciting.
"I'm looking forward to sharing a dressing room with some really talented players, including the current England players like Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Adil Rashid, Dawid Malan and Harry Brook.
"I'm also looking forward to working with Ottis Gibson again, having worked closely with him in the PSL (Pakistan Super League) this year.
Masood played the most recent of his 25 Tests in January 2021, but remains committed to earning a Pakistan recall, and believes the allure of Division One cricket at Yorkshire will help him to fulfil that ambition.
"I maintain a strong desire to play cricket at the highest level and I feel this project at Yorkshire provides me with the ideal opportunity to take that step. I share the ambition of the Club to win trophies whilst playing an exciting brand of cricket."
Yorkshire have also announced the signing of Ben Mike, the Leicestershire allrounder, on a three-year deal. Mike, 23, has taken 79 first-class and 40 white-ball wickets in his career to date, as well as 1,944 runs, and last season sealed a thrilling victory against Yorkshire in the T20 Blast with a last-ball six.
"I am excited to have signed for such a prestigious club as Yorkshire CCC. I will wear the white rose with pride," Mike said. "I have enjoyed my time at Leicestershire and want to thank everyone there. However, the opportunity to play for Yorkshire CCC and learn from some of the greats at the club is an amazing opportunity."
Darren Gough, Yorkshire's Interim managing director of cricket, said: "We are absolutely delighted that Shan and Ben have opted to join us here at Yorkshire.
"Shan is a world-class batter who will contribute in all formats for us. He's a great senior player and we've seen from his performances with Derbyshire this year that he has what it takes to score a lot of runs in county cricket.
"His experiences from playing around the world, including international cricket with Pakistan, will be incredibly valuable to the squad we are building.
"Ben is a very talented young cricketer whose signature was in demand around the counties so it's brilliant that he will be in our ranks next year.