Kent bowler Yasir Arafat has signed for Sussex as their overseas player for the 2009 season.

Arafat, who helped Kent reach two one-day finals last season, has returned to Hove for a second season after playing a big part in the county's double winning season of 2006.

Despite suffering relegation from the County Championship last season, Arafat finished the campaign with impressive figures.

He took 38 first class wickets in 12 games at an average of 29.07. Arafat was Kent's leading wicket-taker in both one-day and Twenty20 cricket as they reached the Friends Provident Trophy and Twenty20 Cup finals.

However, Arafat will not be available for the whole of 2009 due to other commitments which was a key factor in Kent’s decision not to re-sign him.

Kent chief executive Paul Millman said: “I would like to thank Yasir for the contribution he made whilst with Kent.

"It is becoming increasingly difficult to sign overseas cricketers for a whole season but we are actively looking to bring in a talented player who fits that criteria as Yasir is unable to do so.”