Mahmood quit international cricket to apply for a UK passport (Getty)

Former Pakistan star Azhar Mahmood can now play for Kent as a non-overseas player after the all-rounder was granted British citizenship.

The 32-year-old, who is married to an Englishwoman, settled in Britain and decided to give up international cricket and apply for a UK passport.

Kent coach Simon Willis said they signed Mahmood from Surrey in late 2007 knowing the passport was a possibility.

"We weren't going to sign him as an overseas player," he added.

"Now the passport's come through it's one less thing to worry about."

Mahmood played for Pakistan in 21 Tests and 139 one-day internationals.