Playing for Northants was 'a real honour' says Zaib as he quits the County Ground
Saif Zaib says it has been 'an honour' to represent Northants after it was confirmed he is leaving the club to sign for another county.
The shock announcement came on Thursday morning, with the club agreeing to release the 28-year-old from his Wantage Road contract, which was due to run until the end of next season.
He will now make the move to another, as yet unnamed, county.
Zaib, who was capped by Northants in 2025, departs the cinch County Ground after 13 years of service to the club, following his debut as a 15-year-old.
The High Wycombe-born left-hander went on to make more than 200 first team appearances across all formats, scoring more than 7,000 runs and taking more than 100 wickets with his left-arm spin.
A key player in red ball and white ball cricket, Zaib was an integral part of the team that won the Vitality Blast title at Edgbaston in July, and his departure will leave a huge hole in Darren Lehmann's squad.
“It’s been a real honour to represent Northamptonshire CCC, especially as the club has been such a big part of my life for so long," said Zaib.
"I’ll always be grateful for the memories, friendships and experiences I’ve had along the way.
“To the supporters, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the love and support you’ve shown me over the years.
"It’s meant so much to me and sharing those special moments with you is something I’ll always treasure.”
One of those special moments came in what turned out to be Zaib's final innings for the club, hitting 110 in Northants' second innings at Lord's last month as they lost their final game of the season to Middlesex.
That was his 12th first-class century for the club.