Assistant coach Nadeem Shahid has quit the Brown Caps after 15 years with the county side.

The 39-year-old says he leaves the club of his own free will and with "a heavy heart."

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my career at Surrey and it was an incredibly difficult decision to leave," he added.

"However, an opportunity I have recently received to run a multi-sports academy in South Africa is one I can't turn down.

"I take great pleasure in wishing the Club every success for the future and look forward to seeing the new management team delivering some silverware in the coming years."

Shahid played 82 times for Surrey, averaging 31.12, scoring seven centuries and taking 89 catches.

He played for 10 seasons and was part of a Surrey squad that won nine trophies in this time.

Since retiring he has worked for the Club, firstly as its first ever Community Manager and more recently as the coach of the Second XI, a role he fulfilled from 2006 until the beginning of 2009.

Gus Mackay, the club's director of cricket, thanked Shahid for his efforts.

He said: "Nadeem Shahid has served this Club honourably, both as a player and a coach.

"I fully understand and support his desire to develop his career and wish him every success for the future."