Hampshire have signed Imran Tahir, the Pakistani legspinner, as their overseas player for the next two seasons.

Tahir has a made a huge mark with the club during the second half of this season. Before the final round of Championship matches he had 36 wickets at 17.25 in six matches, helping propel to the club from bottom to within an outside chance of the title.

He received permission from the Titans, his South Africa franchise, to remain with Hampshire for the final match of the season against Nottinghamshire and will now be returning on a full-time basis in 2009.

"I am very grateful to Hampshire for giving me the opportunity to continue to play for this amazing club," he said. "Everyone at Hampshire has made me feel so welcome and I will do everything in my power to help the team achieve the success I know we are capable of."

Hampshire's spin options for next season have taken shape as the club have also secured Liam Dawson on a three-year deal.