Khaleel Ahmed, a left-arm pacer for India, announced in an official statement on July 28 that he had departed Essex after his County Championship spell and had returned home for personal reasons. Having just joined the English county team, the 27-year-old was anticipated to play a significant role in their campaign for the rest of the 2025 season.
Khaleel would have played in six County Championship games and maybe ten One-Day Cup games during his two-month tenure with Essex. He only participated in two first-class matches, though, and took four wickets at an average of 64.50. Although the club announced his departure, they fully supported his choice.
“Khaleel Ahmed made the club statement.
Khaleel Ahmed has decided to return home for personal reasons, and Essex Cricket can confirm that he will be leaving the club. The statement said, “Everyone at Essex Cricket wishes @khaleelahmed13 the best possible future.”
View this post on Instagram
Next up for Essex is Warwickshire.
The speedster made an impression with India A before joining Essex, taking 4 for 70 against the England Lions in a red-ball match. He had equally outstanding domestic exploits, particularly while playing for the Chennai Super Kings in the 2025 Indian Premier League. He has taken 45 wickets at an average of 22.9 in 12 red-ball matches since the beginning of 2024.
Khaleel Ahmed most recent ODI for India was in 2019, and his final T20 international match was against Sri Lanka in July 2024. He has participated in the Duleep Trophy and played for Rajasthan in India’s home circuit despite missing out on the national team.
With his departure, Essex will have less alternatives for pace overseas when they play Warwickshire in the County Championship on July 29. It is noteworthy that Khaleel is not the only Indian player to leave county cricket early in the current campaign. Citing identical reasons, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad similarly chose to leave his Yorkshire assignment.
Home