Essex have signed India seamer Khaleel Ahmed for the rest of the English domestic summer, with the 27-year-old set to be available in both red and white-ball formats.
The left-arm quick will be available for the remainder of Essex's County Championship campaign. Essex are currently one place above relegation in the table, having won one of their eight matches so far. They will begin their One Day Cup campaign on August 5 against Nottinghamshire.
On signing for the club, Khaleel said: “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.”
Who is Khaleel Ahmed?
Khaleel has represented India 29 times, playing 11 ODIs and 18 T20Is. He has taken 15 wickets in the international 50 over format since making his debut in 2018. His most recent international appearance came in July last year when he played in the final match of India's T20I series against Sri Lanka.
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In 2016, he was part of the India U19 side that reached the final of the U19 Cricket World Cup, a tournament Ishan Kishan, Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz Khan and Washington Sundar also played in for India among other notable names.
Earlier this month, Khaleel was part of the India A side that faced England Lions in Northampton. He took four wickets in England's first innings, dismissing Jordan Cox, James Rew, Chris Woakes and George Hill. Khaleel finished that innings with figures of 4-70 from 19 overs. The match eventually finished in a draw.
Speaking on the signing of Ahmed, Essex director of cricket and former England head coach Chris Silverwood said: “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.”
Khaleel could make his Essex debut as early as tomorrow, as he is set to be available for the club's County Championship fixture against Yorkshire in York.
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