LANCASHIRE LIGHTNING have bolstered their ranks for this season’s Friends Life t20 campaign with the recruitment of Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat.

The 30 year-old will join compatriot Junaid Khan as the Red Rose’s second overseas player for the 20-over tournament.

Yasir is an experienced cricketer who has played for Surrey, Sussex and Kent in domestic cricket, and has represented his country in Test and ODI cricket.

Mike Watkinson, Lancashire’s cricket director, said: “The addition of Yasir to our squad emphasises our determination to progress in the Friends Life t20 tournament and we are delighted to have him on board.

"Our squad doesn’t have the depth that we have been accustomed to and Yasir brings experience and skill to fulfil this important role for us.”

Coach, Peter Moores, added: “Yasir has a wealth of experience of playing in this country. He is a very experienced one day bowler and a big hitter of the ball down the order. He will bring additional quality to our squad.”