A Pakistan-born all-rounder has signed for Kent Spitfires’ Metro Bank One-Day Cup campaign after impressing for the 2nds.
Mohammed Rizvi has scored 367 runs and taken 28 wickets at 20.60, including an unbeaten century against Warwickshire 2nds this week and innings figures of 7-90 against Glamorgan 2nds, in 11 appearances for Kent 2nds this term.
Leg-spinner Rizvi, 27, qualifies as a domestic player through residency, having played for the likes of Oxford MCCU, Hertfordshire, Surrey 2nds, Essex 2nds and the South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA) in his career.
After he worked his way through the Middlesex age-groups, he made 15 appearances for SACA from 2022 to 2023 – and in 2025 – scoring 212 runs and claiming 16 wickets in that time.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Kent for the opportunity to be part of such a historic and respected club,” he said.
“It’s an honour to join a club with such strong values, a clear vision and a deep commitment to developing players, both on and off the field.
“A heartfelt thank you in particular to (head coach) Adam Hollioake, (director of cricket) Simon Cook, (second-team head coach) Mark Dekker, (Blast skipper) Sam Billings and (red-ball captain) Daniel Bell-Drummond. Their support, encouragement and guidance has meant a great deal to me.
“I truly appreciate the time and belief they’ve invested, and I’m looking forward to repaying that faith with hard work and dedication in the months ahead.
“I’m excited for the journey ahead and proud to wear the Kent badge.”
Kent director of cricket Cook said: “Mo has fully earnt his chance to impress for us in the One-Day Cup after putting in several match-winning performances for the Second XI this year.
“He gives us another all-round option with his batting in the middle order and leg-spin, and has the determination to carry on his good form into first-team cricket.”
Tom Brown, co-founder and managing director of SACA, said: “Mo is a testament to what hard work and never giving up can achieve – he has persevered year on year on the trialist circuit and constantly aimed to improve, which has resulted in him being ready to take this opportunity.
“We wish him the best of luck with Kent and are excited to see him in action on the big stage.”
Spitfires will play a warm-up 50-over match against Norfolk on Monday before they start their One-Day Cup campaign against Sussex Sharks at Arundel on Thursday.
Their first home 50-over clash of the campaign sees Durham visit Beckenham next Sunday.
It has still not yet been confirmed who will captain Kent throughout the competition.
