Essex Signs England Lions All-Rounder Zaman Akhter

Essex Cricket has secured the signing of 26-year-old seam bowling all-rounder Zaman Akhter on a three-year deal starting after the 2025 season, following the conclusion of his contract with Gloucestershire. Akhter, an England Lions international who debuted for Gloucestershire in 2023 after progressing through the South Asian Cricket Academy, has impressed with notable performances including a five-wicket haul against Yorkshire and a 5-32 spell against Sri Lanka for the Lions. Essex director of cricket Chris Silverwood expressed enthusiasm about Akhter joining the squad, highlighting that he had been a player they had monitored closely and whose skills would strengthen their bowling attack. Akhter himself is excited to join Essex, praising the club's history and winning culture, and looks forward to contributing both on and off the field while learning from experienced teammates and coaches. His transfer comes amid Essex's efforts to reshape their squad under Silverwood's leadership, with Akhter being the latest of several Gloucestershire seamers moving on. This signing is expected to bolster Essex's bowling resources as they prepare for the upcoming seasons.