Stevens: It’s been tough

CANTERBURY CITY TAKE CHANCE TO RE-GROUP - page 64

Kent all-rounder Darren Stevens has spoken of the emotional time he suffered following his ICC anti-corruption charge.

The 37-year-old has been charged with failing to report a corrupt approach at the Bangladesh Premier League in February, during which he played 12 games for winners Dhaka Gladiators.

Should he be found guilty, he could face a global ban from the sport for anything from one year to five years.

Stevens – who vehemently denies being involved in any corruption – insisted he’s “not allowed to say anything” about the process but admitted the two weeks since being charged had been emotional.

He paid tribute to the support he had received from his Kent team-mates., saying: “Since certain things have come out, everything’s been a bit emotional. It’s a little bit tough to get my head round. I’ve spoken to all the lads and they have been brilliant about it.

“They know that all I want to do is win games for us. They’ve been great.”

Stevens recorded his third championship century of the summer, against Gloucestershire last week, and leads the Kent batting averages with 59.

He said: “I’ve felt good all year with the bat. It’s always nice to get a hundred but with what’s going on, it was more satisfying than most.

“Playing helps to clear my head. I walk across the rope and I’ve got a job to do. That’s all I’m focused on.”

Stevens was left on 98 not out at stumps on day one and added: “I didn’t sleep well that night, although I’ve not had an easy night’s sleep for a while.”

Asked what the future holds for him, Stevens replied: “Fingers crossed I have a few more years in the game. I have a contract for next year and a benefit coming up.

“I was hoping for the year after next, which would be 10 years here. It’s been hinted at, so that would be nice.”

He first revealed news of his charge on August 14 and is waiting to hear from barristers whether he will be summoned to Bangladesh for a hearing.

Stevens was one of two players charged with failing to report an approach, while seven more were charged with matchfixing.

The allegations centre on a match the Gladiators lost by 54 runs against Chittagong Kings on February 2.

DIFFICULT TIMES: Darren Stevens salutes the crowd after his century against Gloucestershire last week