Sam Billings has become Kent’s second-ever white-ball contracted player.
The 32-year-old’s deal will run until at least the end of the 2025 season and will ensure Billings’ availability for the county in short-format matches alongside desires to pursue increasing opportunities in limited-overs franchise cricket.
Soon-to-be father Billings started the 2023 campaign as Kent’s club captain but, after a miserable run of form with the bat, he stepped down as Kent captain in four-day cricket for the rest of the season in June and was replaced by Jack Leaning.
He was replaced permanently as club skipper by Daniel Bell-Drummond in October – but is still set to lead the side in the shortest format, as he becomes their first T20-only captain.
Big-hitting Alex Blake, who left at the end of the 2023 season, was Kent’s only other previous white-ball contracted player.
“I’m delighted to remain a Kent cricketer for the foreseeable future,” said wicketkeeper-batsman Billings.
“Kent Cricket means a huge amount to me, and I’m very grateful for the club’s openness and understanding during discussions around my future.
“In an ever-changing landscape of our sport, I’ve tried juggling all formats for some time and have found it very challenging personally – on and off the field.
“With the addition of a child on the way, it feels like the right time to try and find more balance, so I can perform at my best whenever I pull on the Kent shirt.
“As always, the support of the members and everyone at the club has been brilliant. I’m always most proud to wear the Kent jersey and represent the club at every opportunity.
“I’m thrilled to be the Kent Spitfires’ T20 captain and I’m looking forward to focusing on that format in 2024 and beyond.”
It’s the second boost in as many days for Kent, who revealed wicketkeeper-batsman Harry Finch had penned a contract extension on Thursday.
Right-hander Billings, who lifted the 2021 T20 Blast trophy as captain and skippered the Spitfires to the 2018 One-Day Cup Final, has made 182 appearances in List A and T20 cricket, scoring more than 4,000 runs.
The Pembury-born player helped Lahore Qalandars retain their Pakistan Super League title earlier in the year and won The Hundred competition with Oval Invincibles in August. He has experience playing in the Australian T20 Big Bash League and the Indian Premier League too.
Director of cricket Simon Cook 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 that has spent a lot of time overseas, winning the biggest prizes in T20 cricket and building relationships with players who have, in turn, become Kent Spitfires off the back of his off-field work.
“Sam is an outstanding white-ball cricketer and we’re extremely pleased that he will be a Spitfire for at least another two seasons.”
Billings, in fact, had penned a deal with Kent until 2025 last July – but his latest contract reflects the fact he’s unlikely to play red-ball cricket for the side going forward.
