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India's left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has signed for Essex to play for the remainder of the County Championship followed by the One-Day Cup. This is Khaleel's first stint in County cricket. He becomes fifth Indian to join a County side for the ongoing season.
"I have heard a lot about the rich history of the Club, and I'm excited to be part of it and will look to make an immediate impact," Khaleel said. "I'm looking forward to playing at Chelmsford, meeting the loyal Essex Members and fans, and delivering performances they can be proud of."
Khaleel will make his County debut against Yorkshire on July 29. Earlier this month, the 27-year-old registered a four-wicket haul for India A in the second unofficial Test against England Lions.
Essex's director of cricket Chris Silverwood is impressed with Khaleel who will strengthen their pace attack not just for red-ball side but white-ball cricket as well.
"We were impressed with his performances for India A and firmly believe he can strengthen our already very strong seam attack," Silverwood said.
"As a left-arm seamer, he offers something different and will add a new dynamic to the squad in both the One Day Cup and the County Championship."
Essex have not been in best of forms this season, winning just one out of eight games. He is placed seventh on the points table.
Khaleel's first-class numbers
The 27-year-old has placed 20 first-class games so far. He has taken 56 wickets at an average of 27.67, including one fifer.
List of Indians playing County cricket this season
While Yuzvendra Chahal extended his contract with Northamptonshire, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma have already made their County debuts for Nottinghamshire and Hampshire respectively. Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to join Yorkshire late in July.
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