Saif Zaib says it was 'time for a change' as he quits Northants for Hampshire
Saif Zaib has explained his reasoning for leaving Northants to join Hampshire - saying it's 'time for a change'.
The 28-year-old still had a year to run on his contract at the cinch County Ground, but informed Northants of his desire to leave the club at the end of last season.
His departure was announced on Thursday, and then just 24 hours later Hampshire confirmed they had signed Zaib on a 'multi-year contract'.
Zaib's surprise request to leave came at the end of a campaign that saw the Steelbacks secure one of the three major titles up for grabs, the Vitality Blast, with Northants beating Hampshire Hawks in the Edgbaston final.
They also just missed out on promotion from the Rothesay County Championship Division Two.
The left-hander departs Wantage Road after 12 full seasons as a professional, having made his first team debut as a 15-year-old.
He made more than 200 appearances for the club, scoring more than 7,000 runs and taking more than 100 wickets across all formats, and in the past few seasons had developed into arguably the team's most effective player.
But he has now made the move from Northampton to Southampton, and says he is looking forward to meeting up with his new team-mates at the Utilita Bowl.
"I’m excited to start a new chapter of my career with Hampshire," said Zaib, who hails from High Wycombe.
"They are a highly competitive and ambitious club, and I look forward to joining up with the squad soon.
"I’ve loved my time at Northamptonshire and can’t thank them enough for giving me the opportunity to play professional cricket, something I’ve been lucky enough to do for 12 years.
"But I feel now is the time for a change.
"I want to help get Hampshire back to division one and contribute to winning matches and tournaments.
"They are a great force, especially in white ball cricket, and I hope I can be part of the team’s success next season and beyond."
Zaib’s departure will leave a big hole in the Northants squad, but head coach Darren Lehmann says it will mean more opportunities for others at Wantage Road.
Writing on X, Lehmann said: “Sad to see SZ go but we wish him all the best in the future, once a Steelback, always a Steelback.
"It gives another young guy an opportunity at the next level. #onwardsandupwards.”