LONDON: Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has signed a new two-year contract with the Kent cricket county.

The 36-year-old, who has been with Kent for four seasons, has been in the country as a one-day specialist and was voted supporters’ player of the year last year.

The former Pakistan international said: “Whilst it has taken a while to conclude this, I’ve 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.”

Azhar has been on a limited-overs contract although he did play seven County Championship games in 2011, finishing top of the county’s batting averages.

His contract renewal is welcome news to Kent supporters following loss of batsmen Martin van Jaarsveld and Joe Denly to Leicestershire and Middlesex, respectively.

Chairman of cricket Graham Johnson said: “We are delighted to have re-signed Azhar. He has a wealth of experience in the game and is always keen to share it.”—PPI