Indian pacer Khaleel Ahmed, currently part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad, has cut short his county cricket stint with Essex County Cricket Club, returning home after just two First-Class appearances. The 27-year-old had originally signed a two-month contract expected to include at least six First-Class and 10 List-A matches.
Essex Confirm Khaleel Ahmed’s Early Departure
Essex officially confirmed the left-arm fast bowler’s departure in a statement released on Monday, July 28, saying:
“While we are disappointed to see him leave, we fully support Khaleel’s decision and are grateful for the contributions he made during his time with us.”
Khaleel’s early exit follows Ruturaj Gaikwad’s recent withdrawal from a similar county commitment with Yorkshire, marking a second instance involving a CSK player pulling out of county cricket plans.
Why Khaleel Returned to India
Khaleel’s contract with Essex was a result of his strong performances for India A, particularly against the England Lions. However, despite the promising start to his county journey, he chose to return to Rajasthan, his home state.
While neither the club nor the player has disclosed specific reasons behind the sudden move, sources suggest that the pacer is preparing to represent his zone in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, which kicks off on August 28. His early return could be aimed at managing workload or staying fit for domestic red-ball commitments.
Despite the shortened county experience, Khaleel Ahmed remains in focus for future India call-ups, especially in the longer formats, given his recent form and consistency.
