Daniel Bell-Drummond has spoken of his gratitude after being awarded a testimonial year by Kent for 2026.
Kent’s red-ball captain, a one-club man, has been given the honour after first joining as a seven-year-old and has represented the county at senior level since 2011.
The 32-year-old concedes he has little previous experience to go off as he becomes the first man to be given a testimonial by Kent since 2019.
“I’m very grateful for the year I’ve got coming up,” said Bell-Drummond, whose testimonial will begin with a launch lunch at Maidstone’s Mercure Hotel on February 12.
“It was offered to me by the hierarchy and everything was set in motion. I’ve been planning over the season just gone and over the last nine months.
“It only got announced in September but me and my committee have been doing work behind the public eye. I felt the very warm response it got, which was good.
“Obviously, it’s a big year we have got coming up. There hasn’t been one since Joe Denly’s one so, hopefully, it goes well.
“I don’t really have much to go off. All the guys that I know who have had them before all had them when I was a very young professional.
“I’m really looking forward to it.
“No doubt, it’ll be time-consuming, as well, so I’m just making sure all the planning and everything is going well from now.”
Batsman Bell-Drummond still plays with Denly, 39, who will enter his 20th season as a Kent cricketer in 2026.
Legendary former all-rounder Darren Stevens, who has made a Kent comeback as a bowling consultant, and former spinner James Tredwell have also been in touch with Bell-Drummond having, respectively, had their own testimonial years in 2016 and 2017.
“Joe’s given me some good advice on things to do,” said the right-hander.
“He’s been a good help. I’ve spoken to a few of the other guys, including Darren Stevens and James Tredwell.
“Those are really the few I remember, being a younger professional.
“It’s been met with a decent reception so, hopefully, the year is a good one.”
Bell-Drummond has been recognised after making more than 400 Kent appearances to date.
He will help three charities – Iggy’s Fund, Cardiac Risk in the Young and Platform Cricket – as part of his testimonial year.
Iggy’s Fund helps remember former England and Kent bowler Alan Igglesden, who died in 2021 after a 20-year battle with a brain tumour.
His charity, administered primarily by brother Kevin, helps financially-challenged youngsters find a pathway through sport, especially cricket, while also funding brain tumour research and supporting sufferers of the condition.
Bell-Drummond himself has been actively involved with Platform Cricket, a charity which boosts cricket participation in South East London, where he grew up.
Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) aims to prevent young sudden cardiac deaths and conducts screenings, as well as offering support to affected families.
“Iggy was a legend and I’ve been seeing the work his brother Kevin has been putting in,” noted Bell-Drummond.
“Going to quite a few events and being a part of it over the last few years, it’s been something that means a great deal to me. I think everyone is quite familiar with it from a Kent basis so I think it works really well.
“Anything I can do to help with that, [I will do]. Obviously, they have been helping me with certain events, as well, and they have been great with me. It’s awesome to have them on board.
“With CRY, Calum Haggett and Ivan Thomas used to play for Kent – and I went to Millfield School with Calum – and they both spoke very highly about the charity. It saves lives with the checks they can get done.
“Cardiac risk is a big thing, especially among sportspeople.
“I have known Paul Daniels for quite a long time, he’s my contact with them, and it’s something I have wanted to help out with. It can help change lives.
“Then, with Platform, I sort of helped to start that up in 2017 and 2018. I’m not involved in it as much anymore but that’s close to home, as well, helping kids from different backgrounds that may not have access to cricket.
“The work they have been doing has been brilliant, going into state schools. The numbers of kids that have been getting into cricket (through their support) has been excellent.
“It’s not about creating professional cricketers as such – if you do, that’s brilliant – but it’s just about that participation on many levels from a health point of view and from a social point of view, getting to learn and play with other kids their age.
“Hopefully, it breaks down some barriers, as well, from all backgrounds with people that may have not had a chance to play cricket otherwise.
“They’re three very big charities and they’re all close to my heart in different ways.
“I can’t wait to get behind them.”
Visit dbd2026.com for further details on his testimonial year.
