He will become the club's second overseas player next season, alongside Australian batsman Stuart Law.

Harbhajan, who is currently involved in a Test series against England, has signed a one-year deal with the Old Trafford club.

It will be the 22-year-old's first foray into county cricket.

Mike Watkinson, Lancashire cricket manager said: "We are delighted to have secured the services of one of the world's leading spin bowlers.

"Hopefully his talents will be the perfect foil for our crop of very promising young pace bowlers."

Lancashire fought off stiff opposition from Sussex.

Harbhajan, nicknamed the Turbanator, has taken 110 wickets in his Test career at an average of 28.78.

He became the first Indian to take a Test hat-trick - and that was against Australia in 2001.