Pace bowler Zaman Akhter is looking forward to testing himself in Division One of the County Championship after completing a winter move to Essex. The 26-year-old, who previously played for Gloucestershire, is eager to learn from the experienced bowlers in Essex’s squad and make an impact in the upcoming 2026 season.
Akhter’s Move to Essex
Akhter had a trial with Essex in 2022 and appeared in some Second XI matches, but was offered a professional contract by Division Two side Gloucestershire, where he spent three seasons. During his time at Bristol, he took 94 wickets across all formats, showcasing his potential as a pace bowler.
In August 2025, Akhter signed a three-year deal with Essex, stepping up to Division One cricket with ambitions to develop further under head coach Chris Silverwood.
“You look at the Essex bowlers and the experience in there – I’m only going to learn from them, see what works for them at Chelmsford and the Test grounds we’re going to be playing at,” Akhter told BBC Essex.
“That challenge of stepping up to Division One is one I’m really looking forward to. It will be a really good unit to be a part of and learn from because those guys do it year in, year out – they’re always top of the wicket-taking charts.”
Essex Bowling Attack for 2026
Akhter will join a formidable Essex seam attack led by:
- Jamie Porter – over 400 first-class wickets
- Sam Cook – also more than 400 first-class wickets
They will be supported by Shane Snater and fellow winter signing Mitchell Killeen.
Although New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell will not return in 2026 following his retirement, Akhter hopes to offer a fresh spark to the bowling lineup.
“I hope to offer a bit of pace, a game-changing spell, and some handy runs with the bat,” he added.
Journey to Professional Cricket
Akhter came through the South Asian Cricket Academy, a non-profit initiative addressing the underrepresentation of British South Asians in professional cricket.
He made his first-class debut at 24, after overcoming stress fractures in his lower back and other injuries that delayed his progression.
“When you’re not on the staff, you can’t really speak to physios or anything, so I was getting external help. That was amazing and got me back on the pitch,” he explained.
“Those little setbacks when I was younger gave me time to understand my own game. You see now guys making Test debuts past the age of 30, so if you don’t get signed at 18, it’s not the end of the world.”
2026 County Championship Season
Essex will start their 2026 campaign with an away Championship game against Hampshire on 3 April. Akhter is expected to play a key role in Essex’s ambitions to challenge at the top of Division One cricket, bringing both pace and experience to a talented bowling lineup.
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