Yousuf’s innings, that spanned more than six hours, took Lancashire to 481-5 declared in reply to Yorkshire’s 395. It meant a dull draw after four days but at least the fans who braved the cold and rain were able to witness Yousuf’s 28th first-class century.

While his stint in county cricket had been largely disappointing and uneventful until this innings on a juicy wicket at Leeds, he ensured the Red Rose county had something better to remember him by with his gutsy performance, on the ground where he scored 192 against England two years ago.

It was revealed earlier in the day that Yousuf had asked to stay on at the Old Trafford club but the Pakistan Cricket Board requested him to assemble for the departure to Bangladesh, where Pakistan will play a tri-series this month that also involves India.

Lancashire may now be left without an overseas player for two or three weeks after Brad Hodge was called into the Australian squad in the Caribbean.   

“The PCB have been brilliant and very helpful in allowing Mohammed to extend his contract with us after Brad (Hodge) was needed in the Caribbean,” a Lancashire spokeswoman said.

“We just hoped that they may allow us to keep him a little bit longer and we asked the question but they indicated that they wanted to take a full strength squad to Bangladesh so he will be heading back to Pakistan on Tuesday.

“It is a shame that he will be leaving us so soon but that was always the agreement and we accept their decision. He has been a top-class professional and a great influence in the dressing room so we have been fortunate to have him.”

A source said that he would have been released from the event had arch-rivals India not been involved.