After serving in the position for six years, Paul Downton, the Director of Cricket for Kent, has announced his retirement, which will take place at the end of the current season
Paul Downton, the 66-year-old Director of Cricket for Kent, will be retiring at the end of the current season, concluding his six-year tenure. During his time with the club, Downton successfully guided Kent to promotion to Division One of the County Championship in 2018 and led them to the final of the One-Day Cup in the same year. Notably, Kent’s team, known as the Spitfires, won the T20 Blast in 2021 and also triumphed in the One-Day Cup the following year.
A lovely touch from the Members, showing their appreciation to the retiring Paul Downton at the final Members’ Forum of the season 👏 pic.twitter.com/xS8KMlVprA
— Kent Cricket (@KentCricket) September 26, 2023
Reflecting on his time with the club, Downton expressed his enjoyment of the challenges and rollercoaster nature of county cricket. He praised the team’s successes and commended the blend of experienced players and emerging talents within the squad, expressing excitement for the future and their cricketing ambitions.
Downton has a rich cricketing background, having played for Kent from 1977 to 1980 and representing England in 30 Test matches and 28 One-Day Internationals between 1981 and 1988. Prior to his role at Kent, he served as the managing director of the England & Wales Cricket Board from February 2014 to April 2015.
Kent chair Simon Philip praised Downton’s leadership, stating that he had taken the club on an extraordinary journey, surpassing expectations. Philip acknowledged the team’s accomplishments under Downton’s guidance, including promotion, maintaining Division One status, and winning two trophies in 2021 and 2022.
Philip highlighted Downton’s experience, interpersonal skills, good judgment, and integrity in building a culture that facilitated player development, national selections, and an increased interest in joining the club. Philip expressed joy in interacting with Downton throughout the six years of his tenure.
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