Simmons joins Gloucestershire on loan, plans to sign two-year contract

LONDON, England – Barbadian fast bowler Che Simmons has made the switch from Warwickshire to Gloucestershire for the remainder of the 2026 County Championship.

The 22-year-old pacer is however, expected to join Gloucestershire on a full-time basis ahead of the 2027 season on a two-year contract.

The announcement was made by the club over the weekend on its social media pages.

Simmons gained valuable experience while featuring for Warwickshire in Division One of the County Championship, where in seven innings he claimed 10 wickets, including an impressive three-wicket haul on his debut against Essex in 2024.

He said he was eagerly looking forward to his newest challenge.

“I’m very excited to be joining Gloucestershire. It’s a fresh challenge for me and one I’m really looking forward to embracing. The opportunity to play regular first-team cricket was a big factor in my decision.

“I’m excited to get started, work hard with the coaches and my new teammates, and hopefully contribute to the team’s success across all formats. I feel this is a great opportunity for the next stage of my development, and I can’t wait to get out there and play in front of the Gloucestershire supporters,” Simmons said.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone at the club and making some great memories along the way.”

Simmons represented Barbados at the Under-15 level and first came to prominence after taking all 10 wickets in an innings while playing for the Franklyn Stephenson Academy.

He holds a British passport and is eligible to represent England through residency qualifications, adding further excitement to the potential of one of the county game’s brightest emerging fast bowlers.

Director of Cricket, Jon Lewis believes Simmons has all the attributes to make a significant impact at Seat Unique Stadium.

“We’re really excited to bring Che to Gloucestershire. He’s a hugely talented young cricketer with a very high ceiling, and while he’s played a lot of cricket in Warwickshire’s second team, we felt this was an opportunity for him to take the next step and showcase his abilities at first-team level.

“We see him as someone who can make a real difference to our squad. He’s a genuine athlete, bowls with good pace, and offers a real point of difference with the ball. He’s also a very clean striker of the ball, which adds another dimension to his game,” Lewis said.

“Most importantly, he’s a brilliant young person with enormous potential, and we’re delighted he’s chosen to continue his development with Gloucestershire. I’m looking forward to getting to know him better, working closely with him, and helping him fulfil that potential.”

CMC