Khaleel Ahmed joins Essex for County Championship and One-Day Cup

Khaleel Ahmed, India’s left-arm pacer, has signed with Essex for the balance of the County Championship and the full One-Day Cup. The 27-year-old will make his debut on the English county circuit.

Khaleel, who had a strong Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season with Chennai Super Kings, where he took 15 wickets, will now join Essex as they strive to enhance their bowling attack in both red and white-ball forms. His County spell, which runs until late September, will comprise six first-class games and up to ten List A matches, depending on Essex’s performance in the One-Day Cup.

Khaleel Ahmed will be available for Essex’s forthcoming County Championship encounter against Yorkshire, which is slated to begin on Sunday in York.

“I am overjoyed to sign with Essex. I’ve heard a lot about the Club’s rich history, and I’m delighted to be a part of it and hope to make an immediate effect. “I’m excited to play at Chelmsford, meet the loyal Essex Members and fans, and deliver performances they’ll be proud of,” Ahmed told Essexcricket.

He can strengthen our already very strong seam attack: Essex Director of Cricket

Essex’s Director of Cricket, Chris Silverwood, welcomed the Indian pacer and mentioned his performances for India A and the four-wicket haul against the England Lions, a factor in their decision.

“We are really pleased to be bringing Khaleel into the Club. We were impressed with his performances for India A and firmly believe he can strengthen our already very strong seam attack. 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,” Silverwood said.

Ahmed has represented India in 11 ODIs, bagging 15 wickets at an average of 31.00. In first-class cricket, he has picked up 56 wickets in 20 matches at an average of 27.67. Meanwhile, Essex, currently struggling in Division One with just one win in eight games, is hoping Khaleel’s addition will change their fortunes.

Khaleel joins a list of Indian cricketers playing County cricket in 2025. Ishan Kishan (Nottinghamshire), Tilak Varma (Hampshire), Ruturaj Gaikwad (Yorkshire), and Yuzvendra Chahal (Northamptonshire) have also signed short-term deals.