Bilal Saleem

Bilal Saleem, born on 20th June 1979, emerged from the vibrant cricketing landscape of Lahore, Pakistan. From the dusty neighbourhood streets where he first clutched a wooden bat, Bilal's journey to professional cricket is a tale of perseverance, talent, and unyielding passion. As a child, Bilal had an insatiable hunger for the game, often imitating his cricket heroes with an infectious exuberance that would light up any local match.

His professional debut came in the late 1990s when he was selected for Lahore's domestic team. It wasn't long before his all-round skills as a right-hand batsman and right-arm fast-medium bowler caught the attention of national selectors. In 2001, Bilal donned Pakistan's green jersey for the first time, marking the start of an illustrious international career.

Over the years, Bilal carved a niche for himself as a genuine all-rounder, a rare breed capable of altering the course of a game with both bat and ball. Bilal's batting was characterised by impeccable timing and an expansive range of shots, making him a reliable middle-order batsman. His strength lay in his swift adaptability to different formats, seamlessly transitioning from the rigours of Test cricket to the frantic pace of T20s.

As a bowler, Bilal's fast-medium deliveries were a blend of pace and cunning. He had the uncanny ability to exploit even the slightest weaknesses in a batsman's armour, making him a formidable opponent. His memorable duel against arch-rivals India in the 2004 series at Karachi remains etched in cricketing history. His remarkable spell of five wickets for 35 runs in that match was instrumental in turning the tide in Pakistan's favour.

Among his many achievements, Bilal played a pivotal role in Pakistan's 2009 ICC World T20 victory, contributing crucial runs and vital wickets throughout the tournament. He set numerous records, including becoming the only player to score over 1,000 runs and take 100 wickets in a calendar year, a testament to his varied skills.

Bilal Saleem's career is dotted with moments of brilliance that have left an indelible mark on the game. His contributions extend beyond statistics; it's his resilience and the sheer joy of playing cricket that endeared him to fans worldwide. Even as he stepped away from international cricket, Bilal's legacy continues to inspire the next generation of cricketers who dream of following in his illustrious footsteps.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats