Big blow for Northants as Saif Zaib departs club to sign for 'another county'

The 28-year-old was contracted to Northants until the end of next season, but has now agreed a deal to sign for another county and has played his last game for the Wantage Road club.

A key player for the club across all formats, the left-hander's departure will leave a massive hole in Darren Lehmann's squad ahead of the 2027 campaign.

A club statement read: "Northamptonshire County Cricket Club can confirm that Saif Zaib will be leaving the club following an agreement with another county.

"The 28-year-old had informed the club at the end of the season that he did not see his future career at Northamptonshire, and despite discussions to reverse that decision, he will now leave the club."

High-Wycombe-born Zaib has been at Northants since he was a teenager, and was handed his first team debut by then head coach David Ripley as a 15-year-old.

In his 13 seasons as a professional at the County Ground, Zaib has made more than 200 appearances for the club, and was a key part of the side that won the Vitality Blast at Edgbaston in July.

He has scored more than 7,000 runs for the club, including 12 first-class centuries and one in the One Day Cup.

Zaib has also taken more than 100 wickets with his left-arm spin.

In 2025, he was the leading scorer in the country, hitting 1,425 first-class runs in red ball cricket, and he followed that up in 2026 with another 856 in 2026 - including a ton in what has turned out be his final innings for the club.

Zaib hit 110 in the second innings at Lord's, as Northants lost their final game of the season against Middlesex.

The Northants statement continued: "The club would like to place on record its thanks to Saif for his effort and commitment throughout the years, and wish him the best for the future."