Zaib joins Hampshire and eyes Division One return

Hampshire have signed all-rounder Saif Zaib following his exit from Northamptonshire on Thursday.

The 28-year-old has penned a "multi-year deal" at the Utilita Bowl, having previously spent 13 years at the County Ground.

Zaib made more than 200 appearances during his time at Northants, scoring more than 7,300 runs across all formats and helping them to a third T20 Blast title this summer.

"I'm excited to start a new chapter of my career with Hampshire," Zaib told Hampshire's website. , external

"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."

Hampshire were relegated from Division One of the County Championships last season for the first time since winning promotion in 2014.