Kent County Cricket Club has today announced that Azhar Mahmood has extended his contract with the Club.

Following international success with Pakistan, appearing in 21 Test Matches and 143 One Day Internationals, Mahmood joined Kent from Surrey, initially signing a two year contract in November 2007. He made his first class debut for Kent in 2008, and remains one of the most effective and explosive performers on the domestic circuit.

Mahmood continues to excel with both bat and ball in all competitions. Following promotion to bat at number three, he amassed 485 runs at an average of 40.41 during Kent’s 2011 Friends Life t20 campaign, including his maiden t20 ton, off just 57 balls against Gloucestershire at Beckenham.

During the 2011 Clydesdale Bank 40 campaign, the right-arm seam bowler was Kent’s leading wicket-taker, claiming 18 victims in ten appearances, at an average of 24.27. With the bat he added 246 runs at an average of 27.33. Mahmood remains an integral part of the Kent line-up and a firm favourite with Kent supporters, who this year voted him their Player of the Season.

Kent Cricket’s Chairman of Cricket, Graham Johnson commented on the announcement; “We are delighted to have re-signed Azhar.  He made a fantastic contribution in 2011, finishing top of the Club batting averages in the County Championship, scoring a fantastic t20 hundred at Beckenham and bowling consistently well in both one day and championship cricket.  Azhar has a wealth of experience in the game and is always keen to share it. This is something that we value very highly, and he has an important role to play in the development of our younger bowlers.”

Azhar Mahmood commented on the news; “I am so pleased to have agreed the extended contract.  I am really looking forward to the next two years.  Whilst it has taken a while to conclude my contract I have never had anywhere other than Kent in my thoughts.  It is a special Club and I truly believe we can achieve great things in the coming years.”