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The contract extension, which is effective until at least the end of the 2025 season, will see Billings lead Kent in the T20 Blast and also allow him to pursue opportunities in franchise cricket abroad, as announced by the club.
“I’m thrilled to continue as a Kent cricketer for the foreseeable future,” Billings commented. “Kent Cricket holds tremendous significance for me, and I appreciate the club’s openness and understanding during discussions about my future.”
“In the constantly evolving landscape of our sport, I’ve been attempting to juggle all formats for some time and have found it personally challenging on and off the field. With a new child on the way, it feels like the right time to seek more balance so I can perform at my best every time I represent Kent.”
“As always, the support from the members and everyone at the club has been amazing. I take great pride in wearing the Kent jersey and representing the club at every opportunity. I’m excited to serve as the T20 Captain for Kent Spitfires and look forward to focusing on that format in 2024 and beyond.”
Billings has played three Test matches for England, most recently in the summer of 2022, and has also represented limited-overs internationals on 65 occasions. However, he is now focused on maximizing his opportunities to play in T20 leagues.
Billings, who led Oval Invincibles to their first Hundred title last summer, is currently competing in the Big Bash League with Brisbane Heat and will be one of the English players up for auction in the IPL next week.
In first-class cricket, he scored 3628 runs in 88 matches, with six centuries and an average of 31.27.
Simon Cook, Kent’s Director of Cricket, said: “This new agreement reflects a mutual commitment from both Kent Cricket and Sam to navigate a fast-changing cricketing world.
“He is a well-travelled and well-respected player who has spent a significant amount of time overseas, winning major T20 cricket titles and building relationships with players who have subsequently become Kent Spitfires as a result of his off-field work.
“Sam is an exceptional white-ball cricketer, and we’re extremely pleased that he will remain a Spitfire for at least another two seasons.”
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