Following a successful run with Kent in the County Championship, Bangladesh fast bowler Khaled Ahmed has arrived in the UAE to join the national squad. He is now sharpening his preparations for the upcoming one-off Test match against Afghanistan, which is set to begin on October 9 in Abu Dhabi. Then an opportunity came and I agreed to play in the county.
Reflecting on his time in England, where he claimed 16 wickets across three appearances, the pacer noted that the experience was vital for his return to action. Despite an initial struggle to acclimatize to the cold weather, Khaled stated that he settled into his rhythm quickly once he began competing. He acknowledged that the current challenge lies in transitioning to the sweltering heat of the UAE, but he remains unfazed. Khaled, who picked up 16 wickets in three County Championship matches, is currently preparing with the Test squad and insisted it will take a couple of days to get back into full rhythm. According to but when I started playing, Alhamdulillah, it went well,”, Khaled. “It will be a problem if you keep that in mind, the heat.
“As a professional cricketer, you have to adjust everywhere. I have been bowling and running, and I am almost settled into the conditions,” Khaled explained. He expects to hit full bowling intensity within the next day or two, emphasizing that he is focused entirely on his performance regardless of the climate. Initially it was a little difficult to adjust to the cold, so after going there. So, of course, it’s hot here in Dubai and so I have to adjust. Plus running yesterday, so I’ve almost adjusted,” he said, i’m trying to adjust and I’m bowling today.
Khaled described his English county stint as a significant learning experience that fulfilled a long-held career ambition. He praised the hospitality of the Kent setup, noting that he felt welcomed by the team management and players during his time there. The fast bowler expressed his happiness at finally experiencing the professional environment of a top-tier four-day competition.
Looking closer to home, the pacer expressed strong support for the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s initiative to implement second-XI four-day matches. He believes this structure mirrors the professionalism of Test cricket and provides a crucial pathway for players to manage injuries, recover their form, and compete for a spot in the primary side.
“When I heard about the introduction of the first-class baggy cap and these organized matches, I was very excited,” Khaled said. “If our domestic first-class cricket can be structured like Test cricket, it will be very beneficial for the development of our players.”
He commended the board for these structural improvements, asserting that such advancements are essential for elevating Bangladesh’s standing in the international arena. As he looks ahead to the Abu Dhabi Test, the bowler remains committed to helping his team reach a higher standard in the five-day format, viewing the current domestic developments as a positive step for the future of the sport in the country.
