Zimbabwe wicket-keeper Brendan Taylor has put his international career on the line by signing a three-year Kolpak deal with Nottinghamshire, subject to ECB approval, a move which makes him ineligible to play for the national side while that contract is in effect.

Zimbabwe play their last 2015 World Cup match against India on March 14 in Auckland, a game which could be Taylor's last in the red jersey.

Calling the decision the hardest one he has had to make, Taylor said he had swallowed the bitter pill keeping his family in mind.

"It's been one of the biggest decisions I've had to make; in fact the biggest decision," Taylor said.

"I've always been very passionate about playing for Zimbabwe, I still am. I sat down with my wife and we decided to make this decision together. It hasn't been easy. I feel very sad about it but at the same time very excited to be a part of one of the better county sides in England. They've welcomed me with open arms and I'm looking forward to cementing a good relationship with them over the next three years."

"But I'm very, very sad to leave Zimbabwe cricket. I've had some fond memories and I have some great friends here but life goes on and you have to try and make the best decisions for your family and moving forward."

Taylor, who has played 166 ODIs and score 5120 ODI runs in addition to the 1493 Test runs, has been a key element of Zimbabwe's batting and also captained the side through tough times.

Taylor expressed hope that the leadership of Dav Whatmore, who was appointed Zimbabwe coach a few months ahead of the World Cup, would lift the team's performances in the future.

"Zimbabwe is going to move forward with Dav Watmore, there's no doubt about that. He's been brilliant so far," Taylor said.

"We haven't got the results we'd have liked to but he's a very experienced coach and he knows how to get the best out of individuals. So I've no doubt that someone will come in and do a good job there.

"We've got a bit of depth there and some experienced players. The guys need to just step it up a little bit more, take more responsibility, but there's no doubt that the talent's there and some great times are around the corner for Zimbabwe cricket I feel."

Whatmore said Nottinghamshire were "very, very lucky" to have Taylor in their ranks and was confident Zimbabwe could stay strong after Taylor's exit.