Saif Zaib has left Northamptonshire with a year left on his contract. Cricinfo has learned that he is set to join Hampshire as they bid for promotion straight back to Division One of the County Championship.

Zaib, 28, was the leading run-scorer in the country in 2025, making 1425 Championship runs at 64.77 including six hundreds. He had a slightly quieter year this summer, but still managed 856 runs at 42.80 with three hundreds as Northants narrowly missed out on promotion from Division Two, and was part of the side that won the T20 Blast.

He had extended his deal in early 2025, but told Northants of his intention to move on at the end of this season. "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," they said in a statement on Thursday morning.

Northants did not confirm Zaib's next club, but Cricinfo has learned that he will join Hampshire and will form an important part of their plans as they target an immediate return to Division One following their relegation this season.

Hampshire have already signed Rishi Patel and Fynn Hudson-Prentice from Leicestershire and Sussex respectively as they look to rebuild their squad following James Vince and Liam Dawson's retirements from red-ball cricket.

"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," Zaib said in the club's statement. "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."

Zaib spent four weeks on the south coast this summer playing for Southern Brave in the Hundred, and is actively looking for more opportunities on the franchise circuit. He played in the Canada Super60 immediately after the end of the English summer, and is currently representing Sudur Paschim Royals in the Nepal Premier League.