KENT have announced Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat as their second overseas player for next summer.

The 24-year-old all-rounder from Rawalpindi has just collected a championship winner’s medal with Sussex, where he stood ion for countryman Rana Naved.

In his eight games Arafat claimed 41 wickets costing 24.85 apiece including a season’s best five for 84 haul against Kent at Hove on July 15. He also scored 390 runs at an average of 43.

Although he has won six ODI caps, Arafat has yet to play Test cricket and Kent believe he will be available to them for the vast majority of the season.

Kent’s director of cricket Graham Ford said: "We have made good progress in a number of areas this year, but as always we are looking to improve the squad for next season.

"We are pleased that Yasir Arafat has agreed to join us next season to partner Andrew Hall and in addition, we are still looking to strengthen the squad, particularly in the seam bowling area."

Meanwhile, the club have re-appointed Rob Key as skipper for a second season but have said farewell to five of their squad.

Min Patel continues as vice-captain, but the county have confirmed they will not be offering contracts to Key’s predecessor David Fulton and four other players.

The right-handed opening bat may now consider options to extend his 200-match first-class career with another county or develop his work in the media.

In announcing the retained list, Kent’s chairman of cricket Graham Johnson said: "We would like to place on record our thanks to David for his immense contribution to Kent cricket and wish him well in the future."

Fulton said: "It is with great sadness but with no bitterness that I leave the club I have supported since I was a boy and have played for, for 15 years.

"I have made many friends and enjoyed some great times here and will continue to support the club in any way I can."

Understudy wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien has been released together with seam bowlers Simon Cusden, David Stiff and Matt Dennington.

Three other players out of contract come the end of the month; Matt Walker, Rob Ferley and Martin Saggers, have all been offered terms but are still in negotiation.