Stevens vows to play on after Kent exit
Darren Stevens will leave Kent after 15 years at the end of the season – but he has vowed to carry on playing.
The veteran all-rounder has made 219 first-class appearances and racked up 11,718 runs and
487 wickets since signing from Leicestershire in 2005.
Stevens is currently plying his trade on loan with Derbyshire in the T20 Blast after being informed he would not be involved for Kent.
Stevens said: “Although I’m really sad to be finishing my time with Kent, I can’t thank the club enough for the opportunity back in 2005. “It’s been an amazing 15 years. So many wonderful memories both on and off the pitch and many strong friendships made along the way.
“This is not retirement for me as I think I still have a lot to offer on the pitch, both as a player and a coach, and am excited by the next stage in my career.
“I believe I can still do it at the top level, as my recent form shows, and I am looking forward to the remainder of the T20 season with Derbyshire and finishing the season successfully with Kent.
“I will look back at my time with Kent with nothing but happiness and pride.”
Kent head coach Matt Walker added: “Darren’s contributions to this club are plain to see for everyone. He has been a big part of the dressing room over the past decade and a half and has given his all for Kent every time he crossed the white line.
“He deserves all the adulation he has received over the years from our supporters, with such reliability and match-winning performances throughout his career.
“It truly has been a glittering career and Darren will be remembered as a Kent great. I want to be the first person to thank ‘Stevo’ for everything he has done here and wish him the very best success.” Stevens hit an unbeaten 30 to score the winning runs as Kent Spitfires were crowned Twenty20 Cup winners in 2007. He also boasts the club record for highest List A innings with 147 away to Glamorgan in 2017.
Kent’s director of cricket Paul Downton added: “Darren has been a wonderful servant to Kent. For so many years he has been the club’s leading all-rounder.
“When you look at his record, it is a travesty that Darren did not receive the international call-up he so richly deserved whilst in his prime. “It’s now time for a new chapter at Kent with a number of young bowlers, and hopefully an overseas fast bowler next year, all demanding the new ball as the club seeks to keep raising standards and compete for the Division 1 Championship title.
“We all wish Darren every success in his future exploits and he will always be welcome at the club.” Stevens is expected to play a part in the remainder of Kent’s county championship season, which resumes against Essex on August 18.