Younis has been linked with taking over the captaincy at Headingley

The 28-year-old, who has been leading his country at the Champions Trophy, will link up with the squad after the World Cup at the end of April.

Younis said: "I know players like Michael Vaughan, Geoff Boycott and Sir Len Hutton played there and it will be an honour to follow these cricketers."

Yorkshire chief executive Stewart Regan confirmed that local Asian businessmen had helped finance the signing.

He said: "Without doubt, Younis Khan is one of the leading batsmen in the world, and we are delighted to have secured his signature.

"The deal would not have been possible without the financial support of ABDN, the Minority Ethnic Enterprise Network, and we are extremely grateful for their assistance.

We're still trying to persuade him his future lies at the club and hopefully we will be able to reach agreement with him soon Chief executive Regan on Michael Lumb

"We hope this signing will act as a catalyst for the club to strengthen links with the significant Asian presence in Yorkshire, and we look forward to generating additional support in 2007 and beyond."

Younis, the first Pakistan player to represent the county, is expected to play his first match for them at Headingley in June 2007, in a charity game featuring celebrities and sporting personalities.

Meanwhile, Yorkshire believe they can still convince batsman Michael Lumb to stay at Headingley amid speculation linking him with a move to Hampshire.

The 26-year-old was an ever-present in the Championship last season, scoring 963 runs at an average of 41.86.

But the South African-born left-hander has yet to sign a new contract with the Tykes, leading to talk of an exit.

"He hasn't signed a deal with anybody and he's still talking to us," Regan told BBC Sport.