Khaleel Ahmed signs for Essex for a 2-month stint that sees him join for at least 6 County games and ten List A games.
Khaleel Ahmed signs up with Essex for County Championship and One-Day Cup.
Khaleel will be playing county cricket for the first time. Six first-class games and eight List A games—which could increase to 10 if Essex advances to the final—are part of the two-month commitment, which ends in late September.
Starting on Sunday, Khaleel will be eligible for selection in the County Championship match against Yorkshire after joining the team in York.
“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,” he said. “I’m looking forward to playing at Chelmsford, meeting the loyal Essex Members and fans, and delivering performances they can be proud of.”
Chris Silverwood, the director of cricket for Essex, was excited about the “new dynamic” Khaleel’s left-arm pace would bring to the attack.
“We were impressed with his performances for India A and firmly believe he can strengthen our already very strong seam attack,” Silverwood said. “As a left-arm seamer, he offers something different and will add a new dynamic to the squad in both the One Day Cup and the County Championship.”
In 11 ODIs for India, Khaleel has claimed 15 wickets at an average of 31.00. At an average of 27.67, he has taken 56 wickets in 20 first-class matches. In June, he played for the India A team against the England Lions.
In addition to Khaleel, other Indians who have signed county deals include Yuzvendra Chahal (Northamptonshire), Ruturaj Gaikwad (Yorkshire), Tilak Varma (Hampshire), and Ishan Kishan (Nottinghamshire).
With one victory in eight games, Essex is presently ranked eighth in the County Championship’s division one.