Sri Lankan all-rounder Bhanuka Rajapaksa has signed for Penrith Cricket Club for the 2017 season as the club’s overseas pro.

Rajapaksa, 25, toured England with Sri Lanka A in July and has represented Barisal Blazers in Bangladesh’s NCL T20 tournament.

Subject to gaining a visa, Rajapaksa will join the club next April in time for the first game of the season.

Penrith chairman Andy Hall said: “The club have been working hard behind the scenes to sign a top-class all-rounder and have that in place as early as possible.

“We are absolutely delighted to have signed such a quality all-rounder.”

Jonathon Osborne had been instrumental in the signing and has dealt with numerous agents and players in the weeks since the end of the 2016 season as Penrith CC have worked to put plans in place for the 2017 campaign as soon as possible.

“Getting a high quality professional on board is the first piece on the jigsaw in terms of our plans for next season,” said Osborne.

“Signing a player with one-day international experience is a huge coup for the club and we are confident this will lead to further signings.

“Bhanuka is a very attacking batsman who scores runs very quickly and he bowls wicket to wicket at a very lively pace.

“We have spoken to many of the Sri Lankans that we know, including former Penrith pro Upul Fernando and Keswick’s Geeth Kumara.

"They have all confirmed that Bhanuka is a top class all-rounder who will be well suited to league cricket in the UK.”

Penrith also held their end-of-season presentation for the 2016 campaign last Saturday with Ryan Sidebottom, who was part of the PCA England Masters side that played an all-star anniversary match in July to celebrate Penrith’s 150th anniversary, among those present.

The club have also received their fixture list for next season with their season-opener at Northern League champions Leyland taking place on April 22.