Left-arm fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed has signed a deal with Essex County Cricket Club. The 27-year-old becomes the fifth Indian cricketer to play for England counties in the 2025-26 season. Khaleel will be available for selection for the entire County Championship and One-Day Cup.
Khaleel Ahmed joins Essex
Khaleel is expected to start his stint on June 29 against Yorkshire. After the next two first-class games against Sussex and Warwickshire, he’ll play the entire One-Day Cup from August 5 to 26 for Essex. Khaleel will then continue to feature for the county in the second leg of Division 1, with three matches left.
“I am thrilled to sign for Essex. I have heard a lot about the rich history of the Club, and I’m excited to be part of it and will look to make an immediate impact. I’m looking forward to playing at Chelmsford, meeting the loyal Essex Members and fans, and delivering performances they can be proud of,” Khaleel said in a statement.
The left-arm pacer won’t go toe-to-toe against his Indian teammates. Yuzvendra Chahal will be playing for Northamptonshire in the County Championship and One-Day Cup. Ruturaj Gaikwad will join Yorkshire from July 22 until the end of the One-Day Cup. Ishan Kishan will feature in just two County matches for Nottinghamshire. Lastly, Tilak Varma will play for Hampshire in Division 2 and play four first-class matches from June 18 to August 2.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
If Jasprit Bumrah can be picked for three Tests, wasn't Mohammed Shami fit enough for at least two?
Top Stories
