Essex Signs Zaman Akhter To Strengthen Bowling Unit

Hanna Pilhun — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 13:07:03 +0000

The Division One heavyweights, Essex, have sealed a three-year deal with Gloucestershire seamer Zaman Akhter, bringing fresh pace and grit to Chelmsford ahead of the 2026 County Championship. At 26, Akhter isn’t just another arm; he’s a South Asian Cricket Academy graduate who’s taken 94 wickets across formats in three seasons at Bristol, proving he’s ready for the big stage.

Essex Signs Zaman Akhter

The announcement feels like a game-changer for Essex fans who’ve watched Jamie Porter and Sam Cook rack up nearly 900 first-class wickets together. Akhter joins a seam attack that already boasts Shane Snater and new recruit Mitchell Killeen, adding that extra bite Essex craves after Doug Bracewell’s retirement. “I’m thrilled to join such a historic club with a winning culture,” Zaman Akhter told BBC Essex, eyes sparkling at the chance to learn from the veterans. “Looking at their bowlers, guys always near the wicket-takers’ charts, I’m here to soak it all up at Chelmsford and Lord’s.”

Zaman Akhter’s journey hasn’t been a straight drive. He trialled with Essex’s second XI back in 2022 but landed at Gloucestershire, delaying his first-class debut until 24 due to back troubles. Yet, he hit the ground running: 4-33 on debut against Durham in 2023, a maiden five-for (5-89) versus Yorkshire in 2024, and England Lions caps with 5-32 against Sri Lanka. “It’s exciting to add pace, game-changing moments, and some lower-order runs,” he added.

Chris Silverwood On The Joining

Chris Silverwood couldn’t hide his excitement. “We’ve tracked ‘Zum’ for a while; his quality strengthens our group perfectly,” the director of cricket said. Essex kicks off 2026 away at Hampshire on April 3, and Akhter’s arrival signals big ambitions. With his height for bounce, speed beyond the swing merchants, and handy batting, he’s the X-factor to push Essex toward titles.

Gloucestershire feels the pinch, losing another talent amid their rebuild, but Akhter’s move screams upward trajectory. From minor counties with Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire to professional circuits via SACA, the sixth grad to turn pro, he’s proof that persistence pays off. “When you’re not on staff, you hustle external help,” he reflected on his injury setbacks. “It made me understand my game better.”

Also read: Worcestershire Signs South African All-Rounder Beyers Swanepoel

Gloucestershire Signs Liam Scott for 2026 Vitality T20 Blast Campaign

Hanna Pilhun — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:09:33 +0000

Gloucestershire just announced they signed Australian all-rounder Liam Scott for the entire 2026 Vitality T20 Blast campaign, plus two County Championship matches in June. At just 24, this young gun from South Australia is just what the Gladiators need to shake things up and chase that coveted title.

Liam Scott: Already A Star

Liam Scott’s already a star, smashing 67 off 43 balls for Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash with four fours and five sixes against Perth Scorchers. And, he was Player of the Tournament in the 2024-25 One-Day Cup, helping South Australia lift the trophy. Right-handed batter, right-arm fast-medium bowler, he’s got that perfect all-round package to turn games on their head.

Gloucestershire’s director of cricket, Jon Lewis, couldn’t hide his excitement: “He’s a cricketer whose stock is on the rise and is highly regarded across Australia. We’ve done extensive research into the best young all-rounders available, and adding a third overseas player with a different skillset will help balance our T20 squad throughout the tournament.”

Why Does This Matter?

Gloucestershire have been building a solid squad with guys like Marcus Harris, Zafar Gohar, and Paul van Meekeren already overseas locked in. But Liam Scott adds that X-factor, pace with the ball, firepower with the bat, and smarts in the middle overs. He’s thrilled too: “The club has a rich history of quality Australian overseas players, and I am very much hoping to add to that and help bring success to the club,” he said.

Is this the move that ends their trophy drought? Only the 2026 summer will tell, so stay tuned!

Also read: Russell Domingo Joins Hampshire As Head Coach For 2026

cricket transfers 2026 – Cricket County

Essex Signs Zaman Akhter To Strengthen Bowling Unit