Essex have moved for left-arm quick Khaleel Ahmed, handing the India international a two-month deal that covers the tail end of the County Championship as well as the full Metro Bank One-Day Cup. It’s his first taste of county cricket and, if all goes to plan, he could feature in six Championship matches and as many as ten List A games should Essex make the 50-over final.
The 26-year-old is due in York later this week and is expected to be available straight away for Sunday’s Championship fixture against Yorkshire. Speaking shortly before boarding his flight, Ahmed said: “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.”
Director of cricket Chris Silverwood, who has been hunting a left-arm option since the start of the season, believes Ahmed plugs that gap neatly. “We were impressed with his performances for India A and firmly believe he can strengthen our already very strong seam attack,” Silverwood noted. “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.”
Ahmed’s raw numbers are solid: 15 wickets in 11 ODIs at 31.00, and 56 wickets from 20 first-class outings at 27.67. He toured England with India A in June, so conditions will not be entirely alien.
County cricket continues to lure a steady trickle of Indian talent. Ishan Kishan (Nottinghamshire), Tilak Varma (Hampshire), Ruturaj Gaikwad (Yorkshire) and Yuzvendra Chahal (Northamptonshire) are already on the circuit this summer.
Essex, currently eighth in Division One with a single win from eight, will hope Ahmed’s left-arm angle sparks a late climb.
