Milen Gogev

Milen Gogev was born on 11th May 1994 in the quaint environs of Bulgaria, a country not traditionally known for nurturing cricketing talent. From a young age, Milen was drawn to the game with an unrelenting passion, fuelled by the curiosity and commitment that set him apart from his peers. Inspired by the rare television broadcast of cricket matches, he taught himself the basics with a tennis ball and a makeshift bat in his backyard, dreaming of one day reaching the big leagues.

Milen's journey to professionalism was unconventional. As cricket started to gain momentum in Bulgaria, his talent was unmistakable; his potent right-arm-fast-medium deliveries became a fixture in local tournaments. Realising the need for exposure to higher competition, Milen moved to the United Kingdom, where he joined a county cricket club aspiring to carve a niche in the bowler’s hall of fame. It was in these competitive circuits that his skills were honed.

His first significant break came when he was selected for the Bulgaria national cricket team, marking his professional debut in 2014. Milen's impact was immediate and significant. One of his standout performances came during the ICC European Cricket Championship, where he led Bulgaria to several key victories, showcasing his unerring ability to swing the ball both ways under pressure.

Milen's bowling style is characterised by his knack for generating pace effortlessly, often catching batsmen off-guard with his deceptive seam movement. He wields the bat in the lower order with right-handed tenacity, contributing valuable runs when needed. There was a memorable match against Romania in 2017 that cemented his reputation as a clutch player. With Bulgaria in a tight spot, Milen's last-minute heroics — claiming four wickets in a thrilling display of speed and accuracy — turned the game on its head.

His fierce rivalry with rival Romanian bowler, Adrian Popescu, was another highlight of his career. Their encounters were often media circuses, each trying to outdo the other, driving both players to elevate their performances and offering spectators thrilling cricketing theatre.

Milen's dedication and influence have not only earned him individual accolades and respect but also served as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers in Bulgaria, proving that determination combined with talent can indeed transcend geographic boundaries.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats