 After being released by Kent he signed a one-year deal with Northamptonshire for 2007.In the same year, he joined the Essel Group's Indian Cricket League (ICL) to represent the Delhi Jets team for one season.O'Brien became the first player to play international cricket after playing in the ICL when he played an Intercontinental Cup match against United Arab Emirates in March 2008; he went on to score 174 in Ireland's nine-wicket win.