Kent’s Darren Stevens has been found not guilty in his match-fixing trial, leaving him able to continue playing for Kent in 2014.

Kent fans’ favourite Stevens has been attending the trial in Bangladesh since the middle of January contesting an International Cricket Council corruption charge. The all-rounder faced two charges of failing to report a corrupt approach, relating to his time playing in the Bangladesh Premier League for the Dhaka Gladiators in 2013.

The 37-year-old was one of nine players to face the ICC tribunal, having been charged back in August 2013 after an investigation from the ICC anti-corruption unit.

However, with the former Leicestershire man found not guilty, he is able to continue his career with Kent, where he is expected to again feature heavily for the side in all forms of the game in the 2014 season.

A statement from Stevens to the club’s fans has thanked everyone for their support over the past year:

“I would officially like to thank the tribunal for their verdict today and in particular their determination of non guilty of findings in charges brought against me by the Bangladesh Cricket Board.”

“This has been a long journey and I would like to express my gratitude to my partner Katie, my family, friends, Kent County Cricket Club, my fellow peers, legal team and all those who have supported me.”

“I can assure all of the fans of the Dhaka Gladiators, the people of Bangladesh and all cricket followers, that I have always played the game of cricket honestly, with integority and to the best of my ability.”

“I have loved playing cricket in Bangladesh, as well as everywhere else in the world and I hope that I will be allowed to continue to play cricket globally.”

“Thank you for all your support and assalamualaykumi.”

Meanwhile, Kent’s Chief Executive Jamie Clifford issued the following statement:

“I speak for all at Kent when I say that I am delighted for Darren that this verdict was reached.  I know this has been a very stressful time for Darren and his family and I am sure he will be hugely relieved that this cloud has been lifted.”

“All Kent Supporters’ will wish him well of course and we all look forward to his return to Kent colours at the start of the 2014 season”.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have issued the following statement after the BCB Anti-Corruption Tribunal announced its determination in respect of the contesting defendants in the anti-corruption proceedings arising out of the BPL 2013:

“The ICC and the BCB have received the determination and are surprised and obviously disappointed with the outcome.

“Both organisations await the Tribunal’s detailed written determination setting out the reasons for the outcome, which will be provided shortly, and will consider it carefully before determining the next steps, including whether to appeal any aspect(s) of the judgment.

“In the meantime, no further comment will be made by either the ICC or the BCB.”

Stevens has long been a vital part of the Kent team, and enjoyed perhaps his best ever season at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence in 2013, scooping most of the prizes at the End of Season Awards night. Stevens played a number of astonishing, match-winning innings during the season, including a record breaking 118 in the YB40 game against Sussex, and an unbeaten 205 on the final day of the season to beat Lancashire.

Picture supplied by www.sarahcanterbury.com