Saif Zaib batting for Southern Brave. (Credit: Dave Vokes)
HAMPSHIRE Cricket have confirmed that talented all-rounder Saif Zaib has signed a multi-year deal with the Rose and Crown after his departure from Northamptonshire.
Zaib, 28, made over 200 appearances for Northants but departed the club earlier this week after 13 years with Northamptonshire confirming he had moved “to another county”.
The middle order batsmen scored more than 7,300 runs for his county across all formats and played was a helping hand in securing Northamptonshire their third T20 Blast this summer, defeating Hampshire in the final.
His reliable run scoring no doubt caught the attention of Hampshire Head Coach Russell Domingo as he looks to rebuild his side after a dismal campaign in the County Championship last season saw them relegated to Division Two.
He racked up a total of 1,425 runs in the 2025 County Championship season, including six centuries, seven fifties and a career best 196 not out against Kent, while taking 98 wickets across all formats.
“I’m excited to start a new chapter of my career with Hampshire. 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 started out at Northamptonshire aged 16 back in 2014, having developed through the pathway at Buckinghamshire. He secured his first century in professional cricket with an impressive 135 at Wantage Road, before going on to score 12 First Class centuries.
Giles White, Director of Hampshire Cricket, was delighted to add Zaib to the list of arrivals at Utilita Bowl:
“We’re delighted to welcome Saif to the club. He’s been an excellent performer for several years and has been especially prolific with the bat in Championship cricket over the last two seasons.
His versatility makes him an exciting addition to the squad, and he’ll strengthen our side in both red and white ball competitions. We look forward to having him on board.”
Zaib is currently in action for Sudur Paschim Royals in the Nepal Premier League, which began on 26 October, and will link up with his new Hampshire teammates ahead of the season commencing in April.
