Essex CCC announced on Monday that Indian left-arm seamer Khaleel Ahmed has left the club early due to personal reasons.
Ahmed, 26, joined Essex in June for two months to play both red and white ball cricket. He has gone home after playing in just two County Championship first-class games. His contract was due to run until late September. He was due to play in six County Championship games and up to ten Royal London One-Day Cup matches. Ahmed played in two red ball games and took four wickets at 64.50.
Essex said in a statement they were sad to see him go but support his decision and appreciate what he did while he was here. They didn’t say why he had to leave early.
Ahmed joined Essex after a good red ball showing for India A where he took 4 for 70 in a first-class game against the England Lions. That performance, along with his left arm style, made him a good addition to the Essex squad late in the season. He signed in mid June and joined the team soon after.
Although he didn’t have a big impact for Essex it was a chance for Ahmed to get more red ball experience overseas especially since the Indian selectors are watching seam bowling options before a busy international schedule.
Ahmed last played for India in 2019 and has played 11 One-Day Internationals and 14 T20Is, taking 15 and 13 wickets. In first-class matches he has played 22 games, taking 60 wickets at 30.13. He is more known for his white ball cricket but has a good red ball record for Rajasthan.
He played in last year’s Duleep Trophy and may play again when the tournament starts India’s red ball domestic season on August 28. Ending his County stint early may let him get back to preparing with Rajasthan or his zonal team before that game.