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

India’s left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has signed up with Essex for the remainder of the County Championship and the entire One-Day Cup. The 27-year-old is set to make his debut in the English county circuit.

Khaleel, coming off an impressive Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season with Chennai Super Kings, where he picked 15 wickets, the seamer will now join Essex as they look to strengthen their bowling attack in both red-ball and white-ball formats. His County stint, scheduled to run till late September, includes six first-class games and up to ten List A matches depending on Essex’s progress in the One-Day Cup. Ahmed will be available for Essex’s upcoming County Championship fixture against Yorkshire, with the match scheduled to begin on Sunday in York. 

“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,” Ahmed told Essexcricket.

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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.