"I loved every minute" - Gloucestershire hand Zaman Akhter new one-year contract

The 24-year-old seamer, a product of the South Asian Cricket Academy, took 19 wickets in seven County Championship matches along with nine scalps in the white-ball formats

Zaman Akhter has signed a new one-year deal at Gloucestershire keeping the fast-bowler at the club for the 2024 season.

The 24-year-old was initially spotted as a promising talent by the South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA) and was invited for trials at the club.

He repaid the faith during a breakout year in Bristol after signing his first contract in March ahead of the 2023 campaign.

Zaman made his club debut in the County Championship against Durham in May and went on to play 14 times across formats.

In the Championship, Zaman claimed 19 wickets with his best figures of 4 for 33 coming against Leicestershire at Grace Road in September.

A product of the South Asian Cricket Academy played seven County Championship matches for Gloucestershire last summer, returning 19 wickets (Michael Steele/Getty Images)

In white ball cricket Zaman has taken nine wickets and bowled an inspired 3 for 56 against Derbyshire which kickstarted Gloucestershire's One Day Cup campaign. 

"I'm really excited to have signed a contract extension with the club. My first year gave me a proper taste of professional cricket and I loved every minute." Zaman said 

"I've got some things to work on over the winter for next season which will hopefully help to bring about success for the team on the field.

Head coach Dan Benkensteinn added: "Zaman was an important player for us and gave us a much-needed extra pace option across all formats. It's been great to see Zaman develop as the season progressed and I've no doubt in his ability to continue to improve as we move into the 2024 season and beyond."

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