Bilal Asif

Bilal Asif is, perhaps, a player that deserved more than his 8 international caps. The off-spinner boasts Test and ODI bowling averages of 26.50, and 19.20, respectively.

In 2015, Asif picked up figures of 5-25 against Zimbabwe in his second of three ODI’s. In 2018, he dismantled Australia on his Test debut, taking 6-36. A few months later, he produced another 5-wicket bag, this time against New Zealand (5-65), which proved to be his final Test.

Despite his exploits, Asif hasn’t been considered since, and at 36, it’s unlikely he’ll earn a national re-call. Nevertheless, he continues to dominate the domestic scene.

In December 2019, he guided his Central Punjab side to Quaid-e-Azam Trophy glory, courtesy of a Man-of-the-Match performance in the final. Asif took 11 wickets in the match, to include career-best figures of 8-112 to bowl his side to victory.

He ended the QeA campaign second on the wicket charts with 43 wickets at 23.16 – the first time an off-spinner has featured amongst the top ten wicket-takers since the 2012/13 season.

Interestingly, it was actually Asif’s batting, rather than bowling, that drew national interest many years ago.

In May 2015, having played just 11 first-class matches since his debut in 2011, he earned a domestic T20 debut for Sialkot Stallions. He exploded during the televised Super9 T20 Cup match striking a 48-ball 114 including 10 sixes. His century was scored in 43 balls – this remains a record for the fastest domestic T20 century in Pakistan cricket.

Asif has since gone on to strike two further domestic centuries – both in the QeA Trophy, to evidence his all-round ability.

In 2023, Asif played club cricket in England for Lancashire League club Ramsbottom. As he is now seemingly out of national contention, the Pakistani star is seeking further opportunities abroad. An outstanding recruit, with proven pedigree, who is arguably at the top of his game. Asif is a player we highly recommend for Franchise, County, League, and American cricket.