Northamptonshire County Cricket Club are delighted to announce that Saif Zaib has signed a contract extension, keeping him at the Club until at least the end of 2027.
Zaib’s contract was originally up at the end of 2025 but has now put pen to paper for a further two years.
Northamptonshire’s Batter of the Season and One Day Cup Player of the Year last year, Zaib finished 2024 in fine fashion and was delighted to further extend his stay with the County.
“It feels really good to extend my contract,” Zaib said.
“It shows the faith that the Club have in myself and hopefully I can repay that faith by helping to win games and trophies.”
In what was another standout year, the 26-year-old scored over 900 runs across and claimed 29 wickets across all formats in 2024, with highlights such as a century against Glamorgan in the County Championship and an electric 86 against Birmingham Bears to secure T20 quarter-final qualification.
Now looking ahead to the future, Zaib wants to keep putting in those type of match-winning performances.
“The big aim is obviously winning trophies, but my main aim is to keep contributing the best I can to every game.
“I feel like I can influence the game in all three areas so that’s what I want to try to do.”
In 2014, Zaib made his 1st XI debut against Durham University in a friendly, aged just 15.
Since then, he has made 160 appearances across all formats, scoring 4,237 runs and taking 73 wickets.
Looking back at his journey with the Club, the all-rounder is now pleased with where his game is at after what he admits were some difficult periods.
“I feel like it’s taken a while to establish myself. The first few years being in and out of the team was tough and I feel like I didn’t learn enough from those tough times.
“I’m more comfortable in myself as a person and as a cricketer which I feel like it’s reflecting in my game as well.”
Northamptonshire CEO Ray Payne was thrilled that Zaib sees his future with Northamptonshire.
“Saif has been an excellent player for many years now and is such an exciting talent to watch.
“Everyone here is delighted that he has extended his contract and we can’t wait to see more special performances from him in a Northamptonshire shirt.”