Skip to content

Yorkshire confirm signing of Cheteshwar Pujara after losing out on Younus Khan

Image: Cheteshwar Pujara: Joining Yorkshire

Yorkshire have confirmed the signing of India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara after Younus Khan pulled out of a deal to become the county's overseas player.

Khan, 37, performed a U-turn over international selection and declared himself keen to represent Pakistan on their tour of Bangladesh next month - prompting Yorkshire to look for a late replacement.

The Headingley club quickly found one in 27-year-old Pujara, who has racked up over 2,000 Test runs at an average of 47.11 since making his India debut in against Australia in 2010.

Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon said: “It is very disappointing, at this late stage, to pull out of the agreement with Younus.

“When the deal was agreed initially, it was on the understanding that Younus would not tour Bangladesh with Pakistan. Younus made it clear to us on Sunday that he would find it difficult to turn down should he be selected.

When the deal was agreed initially, it was on the understanding that Younus would not tour Bangladesh with Pakistan. Younus made it clear to us on Sunday that he would find it difficult to turn down should he be selected.
Martyn Moxon on Younus Khan

“At this late stage that is no good to us. We had to make a decision and as result we have decided to cancel his contract.

“We have moved quickly to bring in Pujara and he is a superb player,” added Moxon.

Latest Cricket Stories

“He is an outstanding young Test cricketer, who is hungry to perform in the English game. In the brief conversations I have had with him, he is very much looking forward to be joining Yorkshire and being part of our plans.

“He is a classy right-hander that likes to dominate the crease and he will be a big asset for us during the early part of the new campaign.

“He speaks fondly of wanting to play for Yorkshire and we are looking forward to welcoming him to Headingley and hopefully he can make an impression in the first month of the season with us."

Pujara, who played for Derbyshire in the latter stages of last season, said: "I'm very excited to be signing for Yorkshire.

“I was looking to return to the UK after my previous experience of county cricket, which I greatly enjoyed and when Yorkshire made the offer I didn't think twice.

"To wear the same white rose Sachin Tendulkar did is going to be a great feeling for me. I hope I can contribute to further success.”

Around Sky