Former England batsman Vikram Solanki is to leave Worcestershire at the end of the season to join Surrey.
The 36-year-old has been at New Road for 20 years but has decided to move on after Worcestershire were unable to offer financial assurances about a new deal, with his current contract due to expire in the autumn.
Solanki made his List A debut for Worcestershire in 1993 and has gone on to score over 16,000 first-class runs, 10,000 List A runs and more than 1000 in Twenty20s.
He said: "I'm incredibly grateful to Worcestershire for giving me my chance all of those years ago.
"I have many, many fond memories with the club both on and off the pitch with players, staff and supporters alike and the decision to end our long relationship has not been easy.
"In recent weeks, with my contract ending and the club unsure of their direction for me, I've been able to discuss opportunities with interested counties.
"It's been from these discussions that Surrey have offered me an exciting chance to finish my career at the Oval.
"I can assure all of my fellow players and county members, that until the end of the season, I will give my absolute all to Worcestershire."
The capture of Solanki, who has joined Surrey on a two-year contract, was praised as a "huge boost" by team director Chris Adams.
He said: "Signing a player of the class and experience of Vikram Solanki is a huge boost for the club, giving our young batsmen a chance to learn from one of the most professional and widely respected players in the country.
"I am delighted that he has chosen to join Surrey and very much look forward to working with him in coming years."
Executive director Alec Stewart added: "Credit should first and foremost be given to the Surrey management team in the swift and decisive manner in securing the signing of Vikram Solanki who was being chased by a number of other counties."
