Darren Stevens to leave Kent at end of the season after 15 years with club

The 43-year-old allrounder, who is currrently on loan at Derbyshire for the Vitality Blast, joined Kent from Leicestershire in 2005 and has gone on to make 219 first-class appearances so far for the county

Darren Stevens will be leaving Kent at the end of the season after 15 years at the club, it has been announced.

The 43-year-old allrounder, who is currrently on loan at Derbyshire for the Vitality Blast, joined Kent from Leicestershire in 2005 and has gone on to make 219 first-class appearances so far for the county, scoring 11,718 runs at an average of 37.43, and taking 487 wickets at 25.40 along the way.

His score of 208 against Glamorgan in his first year with Kent remains his highest first-class score, while he also took best bowling figures of 8/75 against his former county Leicestershire in 2017.

Stevens was also part of the Kent Spitfires side that won the Twenty20 Cup in 2007, scoring the winning runs on his way to 30 not out in the final, and he also holds the club record for the highest-ever List A innings of 147 runs away at Glamorgan in Swansea two years ago.

On leaving Kent at the end of this season, Stevens commented: "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. [I have] so many wonderful memories both on and off the pitch and many strong friendships made along the way.

^{Darren Stevens is leaving after 15 years with Kent}

"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 but must now look forward to the next challenge."

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.

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"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 in the future."

Despite his Derbyshire loan, Stevens will be returning to Kent for their remaining four County Championship matches, starting with the home fixture against Essex at Canterbury on August 18. 

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