Has Essex Signed Khaleel Ahmed for County Championship and One-Day Cup Matches Until Season's End?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Khaleel Ahmed has signed with Essex for the County Championship and One-Day Cup.
- He has been part of the India A squad in England.
- Ahmed has taken numerous wickets in both international and domestic formats.
- His addition strengthens Essex's bowling lineup.
- He will debut against Yorkshire in the County Championship.
New Delhi, June 28 (NationPress) India’s left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has officially joined Essex to participate in the County Championship and One-Day Cup matches until the conclusion of the 2025 season. The 27-year-old cricketer has been in England since late May as part of the India A team, engaging in red-ball matches against the England Lions.
During the first match at Northampton, he notably took the wickets of James Rew, George Hill, Chris Woakes, and his fellow Essex teammate Jordan Cox. Since making his debut in 2018, Ahmed has participated in eleven ODIs and eighteen T20Is for India, accumulating 15 and 16 wickets in these formats respectively.
In a statement released by the club on Saturday, Ahmed expressed, “I have heard a great deal about the rich history of the Club, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. I am eager to make an immediate impact, play at Chelmsford, and connect with the devoted Essex Members and fans while delivering performances that make them proud.”
Competing for Rajasthan in domestic cricket, Ahmed has taken 92 wickets in 63 matches with an average of 27.92, boasting best figures of 4-35. In his 20 first-class appearances, he has claimed 56 wickets at an average of 27.67, achieving best figures of 5-37.
Chris Silverwood, Essex’s Director of Cricket, stated, “We were impressed with his performances for India A and firmly believe he can bolster our already strong seam attack. As a left-arm seamer, he provides a unique option and will introduce a new dynamic to our squad in both the One Day Cup and the County Championship.”
Hailing from Tonk in Rajasthan, Ahmed will don the number 71 and is set to join the Essex squad in York, where he will mark his County Championship debut against Yorkshire.
In related news, Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has been named in Northamptonshire’s 12-man squad as they prepare to face Kent in their County Championship match scheduled for Sunday.
Ahmed was also included in India’s ODI squad for the 2018 Asia Cup and made his ODI debut against Hong Kong on September 18, 2018.