Mahmood extends Kent contract

Azhar Mahmood has agreed to an extension of his contract with Kent County Cricket Club, having originally joined the club from Surrey at the end of the 2007 season.

Mahmood made 21 Test appearances for Pakistan, and also played in 143 ODIs. In 2011, he enjoyed a prolific campaign in the Friends Life t20, amassing 485 runs at an average of 40.41, including his maiden hundred in the format, off just 57 balls against Gloucestershire at Beckenham.

During the 2011 Clydesdale Bank 40 campaign, he was Kent's leading wicket-taker, claiming 18 victims in ten appearances with his right-arm seam, 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.

"We are delighted to have re-signed Azhar," said Kent's Chairman of Cricket, Graham Johnson. "He made a fantastic contribution in 2011, 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."

"I am so pleased to have agreed the extended contract," said Mahmood. "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."