Yousuf to join Lancashire

Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf will join Lancashire as a replacement overseas player to cover Brad Hodge's Indian Premier League stint.

The 33-year-old will arrive at Old Trafford later this week subject to work permit and registration being completed, and he is expected to make his debut for the county in Sunday's Friends Provident Trophy clash at home to Durham.

Yousuf, who boasts a Test average of 55.49 and was the 2007 Wisden Cricketer of the Year, said: "I've always wanted to play county cricket, and to get the opportunity with a club as big as Lancashire is fantastic."

He added: "Old Trafford is somewhere I've enjoyed playing at during my international career and I'm determined to make a significant contribution to Lancashire's season."

Lancashire cricket manager Mike Watkinson said: "The decision to allow Brad (Hodge) to compete in the IPL happened quite suddenly, and as I said at the time, the club would only replace him if a top quality player was available.

"We are delighted to have captured one of the world's leading batsman and look forward to him making an immediate impact for the county."