Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed will leave England’s tour of India on Friday and not return because of an urgent family matter.
The 19-year-old took 11 wickets at an average of 44 in the first three tests but was not selected for the start of the fourth test in Ranchi on Friday.
Ahmed’s need to leave the tour did not arise until after England named their fourth-test team.
“He will not be returning to India,” England said in a statement, telling Ahmed to “take care”. “England will not be replacing Ahmed for the rest of the tour.”
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The visitors now have a travelling squad of 14 players for the final two tests, with frontline spinners Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley selected for the fourth Test.
Rehan Ahmed: India tour ‘special’
Ahmed holds the record for the youngest man to play Test cricket for England, making his debut at the age of 18 against Pakistan in Karachi in December 2022.
Captain Ben Stokes praised Ahmed for how he dealt with a Visa issue which threatened his involvement in the third test.
“Playing cricket for England is something I never thought I would do,” Ahmed told Talksport earlier this month.
Take care, @RehanAhmed__16 ❤️
Rehan Ahmed will return home for personal reasons.
He will not be returning to India and we will not be naming a replacement.
🇮🇳 #INDvENG 🏴 #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/T7SgSLYDhp
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 23, 2024
“Being part of this team makes it even more special. Everyone is rooting for each other – it’s the most positive thing.
“It’s unbelievable to be in this squad, with the things we have achieved and the way we play.
“The way Stokesy looks after us and talks to us, and trying to get a wicket with every ball, is just great.”
