Kent Cricket can confirm that Sam Billings has stepped down from the role of men's captain of the club after six years in the position.

Sam Billings has stepped down as captain of the Kent men's team after almost six years.

Billings, who is contracted to Kent until the end of 2025, had already given up captaincy in red-ball cricket after averaging 9.20 in a difficult summer and will now also be in charge of the T20 side hand over.

Billings told members at the annual Kent Cricket Awards: “It’s time for someone else to take the club forward.” The 32-year-old will remain a Kent player for at least two more seasons after extending his contract last winter.

The academy graduate was named the club's 35th captain in January 2018 and led the side to promotion to Division One and the One Day Cup final in his first season, while winning the T20 Blast trophy at Edgbaston in 2021 .

“It was an incredible honor to be captain of this great club. Hopefully I’ve left the club in a better place and taken on the role,” Billings said.

“It’s time for someone else to take the club forward, along with the renewed energy of new director of cricket Simon Cook. As always, I will do everything I can to support this person and continue to drive the team towards further success." I look forward to focusing on my own game to get back to the level I strive for and to be more consistent for the team.

“Many thanks to all members, staff and especially the players for their continuous support. See you all again at Spitfire Ground in 2024.”

Billings, who played three Tests and 65 limited-overs matches for England, has opted out of participating in the 2023 IPL to focus on the start of the LV= Insurance County Championship season with Kent. But after scoring 92 runs in 10 innings, he dropped out of the playing eleven before deciding to step down as captain.

Jack Leaning has taken over captaincy duties for Billings in the County Championship this season and says he is keen to continue in the role after leading the club to survival in Division One on the final day of the season.