Kent T20 captain Billings signs new deal to 2027

Kent's T20 captain Sam Billings has signed a new two-year, white-ball only contract until the end of the 2027 season.

The new deal will see Billings go into his 16th season with the club after coming through their academy to make his debut in 2011.

The 34-year-old former England international has made almost 300 appearances for Kent and in 2023 switched to playing limited-overs cricket.

Billings led Kent Spitfires to the Vitality Blast title in 2021 but the club did not progress beyond the quarter-finals this season.

"Kent is, and will always be, home. Whilst last year was gutting, we were so close to reaching another Finals Day," Billings said.

"Collectively we have absolute clarity on what is required to continue to progress as a white-ball team. The blend of experience and exciting young players means we should be really positive moving forward."

Away from Kent, Billings was part of the Dubai Capitals side that won their first International League T20 title in February and also helped the Oval Invincibles to win their third men's trophy in The Hundred.

Kent director of cricket Simon Cook said Billings' leadership was a "huge asset" for the club.

"As well as his hard work and dedication on the field, many people don't see what he does behind the scenes and in the off-season to help keep us as competitive as we can be," he said.

"Whether that be mentoring younger players, identifying new talent, sharing learnings from his experiences around the world or helping us put into place programmes to help us produce the next generation of Kent cricketers."