The 28-year-old joins from Northamptonshire after 13 seasons and nearly 7,000 runs, bringing depth and experience to the squad.

Zaib said: "I’m excited to start a new chapter of my career with Hampshire.

Batting all-rounder Saif Zaib has joined Hampshire on a multi-year deal. (Image: Hampshire Cricket/Dave Vokes)

"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."

He finished as the leading run-scorer in the 2025 County Championship with 1,425 runs, including six centuries and a career-best 196 not out against Kent.

Zaib also won the 2026 Vitality Blast with the Steelbacks, beating Hampshire Hawks by 14 runs in the final at Edgbaston.

Giles White, director of cricket at Hampshire, said: "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 made his professional debut in 2014 at just 16-years-old, progressing through the Buckinghamshire pathway.

He has scored 12 first-class centuries, with nine coming since the start of the 2025 season.

Over the past two years, he has accumulated 2,281 first-class runs at an average of 54.

In the T20 Blast, Zaib has scored more than 1,600 runs at a strike rate of 146.45 and taken 21 wickets.

He was signed by Southern Brave for the 2026 Hundred competition, having previously played for Welsh Fire and Northern Superchargers.

Zaib is currently playing for Sudur Paschim Royals in the Nepal Premier League, which began on Monday, October 26.

Fans can watch him in action with a Hampshire Cricket membership, with 2027 packages starting from £230 and including access to all men's and women's home matches across the County Championship and One Day Cup.

For more information, visit www.utilitabowl.com/membership.