India Fast Bowler Khaleel Ahmed Leaves Essex County Early

Indian fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed has ended his stint with Essex County Cricket Club early due to personal reasons after appearing in just two County Championship matches, where he took four wickets at an average of 64.50. Initially signed for a two-month contract expected to cover six first-class matches and up to ten One-Day Cup games, Khaleel's premature departure was confirmed by Essex, who expressed disappointment but fully supported his decision. Khaleel, who last played for India in 2019 and has featured in 11 ODIs, remains a key player for Rajasthan in domestic cricket and is anticipated to participate in the upcoming inter-zonal Duleep Trophy starting August 28. His first-class career includes 60 wickets from 22 matches at an average of just over 30, and despite his brief and modest performances for Essex, he maintains prospects for selection in India's red-ball format. Essex, currently positioned seventh in Division One of the County Championship, wished him well for the future. This development follows a pattern of Indian players withdrawing from county cricket for personal reasons, highlighting potential challenges faced by players abroad.