Bilal Sami, born on 21 December 2003, is a cricketer from Afghanistan who specialises as a bowler. He entered the international arena with his One Day International debut against Zimbabwe on his birthday in December 2024. Since then he has featured in the national side, recording a five‑wicket haul against Bangladesh in October 2025 and adding three wickets in two ODIs during October 2026.
Domestically, Sami represents several Afghan sides, including Band‑e‑Amir Region, Hindukush Strikers and Speenghar Tigers, and has played first‑class, List A and T20 matches across the country’s provincial and franchise competitions.
Bilal Sami: quick facts
- Team: Afghanistan
Bilal Sami’s domestic career
Sami began his senior domestic career in the first‑class arena, making his debut for Kunar Province against Kunduz Province on 7 March 2019 in the Mirwais Nika Provincial 3‑Day tournament. He later turned out for Amo Region in the 2022 Ahmad Shah Abdali 4‑day Tournament and for Mah‑e‑Par Stars in the 2023 edition of the same competition, gaining valuable experience in Afghanistan’s premier multi‑day format.
His List A journey started on 8 May 2022 when he played for Pamir Legends against Maiwand Defenders in the Green Afghanistan One Day Cup. He continued to feature in the one‑day circuit, representing Band‑e‑Amir Region in the 2023 Ghazi Amanullah Khan Regional One Day Tournament and Hindukush Strikers in the 2024 edition of the same tournament, sharpening his limited‑overs skills against a range of provincial sides.
Sami’s T20 debut arrived on 12 September 2020 for Band‑e‑Amir Dragons against Kabul Eagles in the Shpageeza Cricket League. He later appeared for Mis Ainak Knights in the 2022 Shpageeza edition, returned to Band‑e‑Amir Dragons for the 2024 Qosh Tepa National T20 Cup, and featured for the Speenghar Tigers in the 2024 Shpageeza Cricket League, establishing himself as a regular in Afghanistan’s fast‑paced domestic T20 scene.
Bilal Sami’s international career
Bilal Sami earned his first senior cap for Afghanistan in an ODI against Zimbabwe on 21 December 2024, coinciding with his 21st birthday. The match marked his entry into the international fold after earlier involvement in the Afghanistan Under‑19 squad for the 2022 World Cup, where he claimed four wickets, including a best of 2/33 against Sri Lanka.
In the following year, Sami achieved a career milestone by taking his maiden five‑wicket haul in ODIs on 14 October 2025 against Bangladesh in the third match of the series. The performance highlighted his growing potency with the ball and cemented his place in the national side’s bowling attack.
During the period from October 2026 to October 2026, Sami featured in two ODIs, collecting three wickets with a best analysis of 2/27. These figures reflect his continued involvement at the highest level and his role as a developing pace option for Afghanistan.
Bilal Sami’s franchise and league career
Sami’s first exposure to franchise cricket came with the Band‑e‑Amir Dragons in the Shpageeza Cricket League, where he debuted on 12 September 2020 against the Kabul Eagles. His early performances in the league showcased his ability to generate pace and extract movement on the limited‑overs stage.
He expanded his franchise résumé by joining the Mis Ainak Knights for the 2022 Shpageeza Cricket League, before returning to Band‑e‑Amir Dragons for the 2024 Qosh Tepa National T20 Cup. Later that year he also represented the Speenghar Tigers in the Shpageeza Cricket League, demonstrating adaptability across different team environments within Afghanistan’s premier T20 competition.
Across these franchise assignments, Sami has been employed primarily as a strike bowler, tasked with opening the attack and delivering in the death overs. His contributions have been instrumental in providing early breakthroughs and maintaining pressure during the middle phases of matches.
Bilal Sami’s records and achievements
Sami’s most notable bowling achievement to date is his five‑wicket haul against Bangladesh on 14 October 2025, which remains his best ODI performance. Earlier, while representing Afghanistan at the Under‑19 level, he recorded a best figure of 2/33 against Sri Lanka, highlighting his potential from a young age.
In the limited‑overs format, his latest ODI figures stand at 2/27, achieved during the October 2026 series, contributing to a total of three wickets in two matches. These numbers illustrate his growing consistency in international one‑day cricket.
Beyond individual spell success, Sami has accumulated experience across all major domestic formats—first‑class, List A and T20—while representing a variety of provincial and franchise sides. His progression from provincial debut in 2019 to international five‑for in 2025 underscores a rapid development trajectory within Afghan cricket.
Bilal Sami in internationals, last 12 months
- ODI: 2 matches, 3 wickets (best 2/27)
Bilal Sami: frequently asked questions
Which teams has Bilal Sami played for?
Bilal Sami plays international cricket for Afghanistan.
What are Bilal Sami’s international stats in the last 12 months?
From October 2026 to October 2026, Bilal Sami played ODI: 2 matches, 3 wickets (best 2/27).










