Khaleel Ahmed returns home as he cuts short his Essex stint due to personal reasons

Khaleel Ahmed returns home as he cuts short his Essex stint due to personal reasons. (Photo Source: Twitter/X)

India’s left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has ended his County Championship stint with Essex and has returned home due to personal reasons, the club confirmed in an official statement on July 28. The 27-year-old had only recently joined the English county side and was expected to be an important player in their campaign through the remainder of the 2025 season.

Khaleel had signed a two-month contract with Essex that would have seen him feature in six County Championship matches and a potential ten One-Day Cup games. However, his involvement was limited to just two first-class games, in which he picked up four wickets at an average of 64.50. The club stated his exit but extended full support to his decision.

“Club Statement: Khaleel Ahmed. Essex Cricket can confirm that Khaleel Ahmed has made the decision to return home for personal reasons and will be ending his time with the Club. Everyone at Essex Cricket wishes @khaleelahmed13 all the very best for the future,” the statement read.

Essex to play Warwickshire next

Before joining Essex, the pacer had impressed with India A, claiming 4 for 70 in a red-ball game against the England Lions. His domestic performances were equally impressive, especially in the 2025 Indian Premier League, where he represented Chennai Super Kings. Since early 2024, he has taken 45 wickets in 12 red-ball matches, at an average of 22.9.

Khaleel’s last international appearance in the T20 format came in July 2024 against Sri Lanka, while his most recent ODI for India was back in 2019. Despite being on the sidelines of national selection, he has been active in India’s domestic circuit, playing for Rajasthan and featuring in the Duleep Trophy.

His exit leaves Essex short on their overseas pace options heading into their next County Championship fixture against Warwickshire on July 29. Interestingly, Khaleel is not the only Indian cricketer to exit county cricket early this season. Ruturaj Gaikwad, the CSK captain, also opted out of his Yorkshire stint citing similar reasons.

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