Saleem Safi
Player Information
Player Overview
Saleem Safi, whose full name is Mohammad Saleem Safi, is an Afghanistan fast bowler who joins Desert Vipers for DP World ILT20 Season 5. He bats right handed and bowls right-arm fast. The current Desert Vipers squad officially places him in the bowling group. Safi has represented Afghanistan in international cricket and has developed through the country’s domestic system into a pace option across multiple formats.
Career Background
Safi began his senior domestic career in Afghanistan before receiving opportunities with the national team. His early cricket included first-class appearances for Kunduz Province and spells with teams such as Amo Region and Boost Defenders. Afghanistan selectors brought him into the wider international setup before he eventually made his ODI debut against Bangladesh in July 2023. He later made his T20I debut against India in January 2024 and his Test debut against Sri Lanka in February 2024.
Playing Style
Safi is a specialist right-arm fast bowler. Pace is the main feature of his bowling, while his ability to move the ball gives him another method of challenging batters. Afghanistan is widely associated with its spin resources, so a specialist fast bowler such as Safi provides a different type of option. Desert Vipers have classified him as a Bowler rather than an all-rounder, meaning his primary value to the squad comes from his work with the ball.
International Career
Safi has been selected by Afghanistan across Test, ODI and T20I cricket. His international opportunities have included matches against teams such as Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka. He has continued to remain around Afghanistan’s senior setup in 2026. Safi was selected in the Test squad for Afghanistan’s historic 2026 Test against India and was later included in the ODI squad for the five-match series against Ireland. Afghanistan also named him in its Test squad for matches against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in October 2026.
Which Team Does Saleem Safi Play for in ILT20?
Saleem Safi plays for Desert Vipers in DP World ILT20 Season 5. The defending champions recruited him through the player auction held on 1 October 2026. Desert Vipers needed a minimum of four Afghanistan players in their Season 5 squad. Safi and Abdullah Ahmadzai were selected as right-arm fast bowlers, Nangeyalia Kharote provides a left-arm spin option, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman joined the franchise as a direct signing.
Saleem Safi’s ILT20 Record
Season 5 will be Safi’s first campaign as part of the Desert Vipers squad. He was recruited after the franchise had already won the Season 4 championship, so statistics from that title-winning Vipers campaign should not be attributed to him. No Season 5 wickets, appearances, economy rate or other performance figures are available before the new tournament begins. His Desert Vipers record can be updated after he makes his first appearance for the team.
Saleem Safi in ILT20 Season 5
Safi joins a Vipers pace group that also includes Naseem Shah, David Payne, Abdullah Ahmadzai and other bowling options. Desert Vipers begin their Season 5 title defence against MI Emirates at Dubai International Stadium on 21 November 2026. The team will play 10 group matches before the playoffs. Safi’s exact role, number of overs and place in the playing XI will depend on team selection once the competition begins.