Introduction
England’s wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings recently shared his insights on the world’s leading franchise-based T20 leagues, favoring the Indian Premier League (IPL) over others and giving his thoughts on the competitive nature of global T20 tournaments.
The Premier Status of the IPL
During his tenure with Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Sam Billings emphasized that the IPL stands out as the premier T20 league globally. Despite not being picked in the 2025 IPL auction and his last appearance in 2022 with Kolkata Knight Riders, Billings’ experience in the league has left a lasting impression on him regarding its level of play and organization.
Global T20 Competitions: A Comparative Overview
Billings likened the PSL to England’s “The Hundred” and Australia’s “Big Bash League,” suggesting these leagues are vying for the position of the second-best T20 league in the world. He highlighted the efforts these competitions are making to elevate their status to match that of the IPL.
Adapting to International Playing Conditions
“The great thing about cricket is that everywhere you go, you have to adapt to the conditions,” Billings remarked during a press conference. This adaptability has been a significant part of his international cricket career, enriching his experiences across different continents.
Challenges Across Different Leagues
While acknowledging the difficulty in ranking T20 competitions due to diverse playing conditions, Billings admitted the standout quality of the IPL. “It’s hard to look past the IPL as the premier competition,” he stated, underscoring the league’s obvious supremacy.
Gratitude for a Global Cricket Career
Billings expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to travel the world and play cricket, a job he cherishes deeply. Competing internationally not only challenges his skills but also brings joy to cricket fans globally.
Sam Billings’ IPL Journey
Sam Billings debuted in the IPL in 2016 with the Delhi Capitals and has had seasons with different teams, including CSK in 2018 and 2019, and later KKR in 2022. Although currently active in the PSL, his IPL experiences have profoundly impacted his career.
Conclusion
With experiences across major T20 leagues like the IPL and PSL, Sam Billings offers a unique perspective on the dynamics of top-level cricket competitions. His career continues to evolve as he embraces challenges in various global cricket arenas.
Related: Sanju Samson’s Unexpected Exit Shakes Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025 Clash
Last Updated: April 16, 2025
