New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad delivered an unexpected blow to Yorkshire earlier this month when he pulled out of his County Championship stint at the last moment. Now, his CSK teammate left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed, who had joined Essex for a brief red-ball stint, has also decided to part ways with the club, citing personal reasons. The exits of both Gaikwad and Khaleel come as setbacks for their respective County sides especially with the tournament entering a crucial phase.
So far, the Indian bowler has played just two matches with the club. He was initially signed by Essex for a two month period in June over which he was supposed to play six first class games as well as maximum ten List A games in the One-Day Cup.
Khaleel was signed by Essex after his successful spell for India A during a red ball game against the England Lions in which he delivered a spectacular spell of 4 for 70.
In IPL 2025 also Khaleel had a spectacular season with Chennai Super Kings picking 15 wickets in 24 matches at an economy rate of 9.57. His contract was supposed to last till late September but he has pulled out after a small stint.
Essex’s take on Khaleel’s call
The club released a press statement in which they informed that Khaleel has returned home. The statement read, “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.”
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.
➡️ https://t.co/fc0liAGcUa pic.twitter.com/BQVm5f98Bp
— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) July 28, 2025
Khaleel’s stats for India
The 27-year-old last played for India in 2019, having taken 15 wickets in 11 ODIs at an average of 31. He has been in action for Rajasthan in domestic cricket and also picked last year’s Duleep Trophy. In 22 first-class matches, Khaleel has taken 60 wickets at an average of 30.13.
He is most likely to return in action in the upcoming inter-zonal Duleep Trophy which marks the start of the red ball domestic calendar which will begin from August 28.