Zaman Akhter agrees to join Essex on 3-year contract from Gloucestershire as fast bowler joins Bristol exodus.
Gloucestershire seamer Zaman Akhter agrees to join Essex.
After agreeing to a three-year contract with Essex, fast bowler Zaman Akhter is the most recent Gloucestershire player to leave the team.
After making an impression with his speed for Gloucestershire, Zaman has played for the England Lions. At the age of 24, he signed a county contract after making his first-class debut for Oxford MCCU in 2019 and then getting another opportunity through the South Asian Cricket Academy.
After Chris Silverwood returned as director of cricket prior to the season, Essex, who are currently third from bottom in Division One of the County Championship, started restructuring their team.
“We are really excited to bring ‘Zum’ into the group,” Silverwood said. “He is a player we’ve had our eye on for a while and we really believe his quality will add and strengthen our bowling group.
“I look forward to working closely with Zaman over the winter period when we prepare for the 2026 season, integrating him into the squad and our plans for the season ahead.”
Zaman said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Essex. It’s a great club with a rich history and a strong winning culture, and I can’t wait to get started.
“I’m really looking forward to contributing on and off the field, learning from some outstanding players and coaches. Speaking to Chris Silverwood, it’s a really exciting time and hopefully I can thrive at Essex to help contribute to their future success.”