Kent Cricket have confirmed that Megan Belt, Kent Women’s first Captain of the Project Darwin era, has signalled her intention to step down as Women’s Captain following the conclusion of the 2026 season.

Homegrown off-spinner Belt will still be available for Kent selection in the 2027 season.

The 28-year-old was appointed as the Horses’ first Captain in the new stage of women’s county cricket in the Winter of 2023, after previously having skippered Kent Women to winning the 2021 Women’s London Championship.

In all, Belt captained the Horses on 60 occasions, guiding Kent Women to Semi-Final berths in both the Women’s Metro Bank One Day Cup and Women’s Vitality Blast this Summer.

On stepping down as Women’s Captain, Belt said: “I feel extremely honoured to have captained Kent, a Club that means so much to me having played here for so many years.

“Together we have been through a lot in such a short space of time, and our results this season shows that we’re on an upwards trajectory, and in a place where I feel that we’re ready for new ideas and leadership to take us to the next level.

“It’s extremely difficult for us all to balance our county cricket commitments with work, our personal lives and more as we’re currently not professional in Tier 2 – with a lot of personal milestones coming up for me, this feels like a natural end to my time as Captain.

“I’m looking forward to focusing a bit more on my own game, and contributing to on-field success in 2027, as well as supporting our new Captain in any way I can.” 

Kent’s Head of Women’s Cricket, Lucy Arman, said: “Megan has been an outstanding leader during a period of exponential change in the make-up of women’s domestic cricket in England and Wales. Her dedication as our leader has been second to none, and I’m so proud of how she has developed both as a leader and a player.

“We fully support her decision and will still be utilising her experience and knowledge in the dressing room ahead of the 2027 season.

“All of us thank Megan for all of her hard work, both on and off the field, which has helped get Kent Women’s profile to where it is now. We know that the standards and culture that she has helped develop will continue under the next Captain, who will be appointed from within our player group for next season.” 

Picture supplied by Kent Cricket.