In a strong affirmation of its global status, England’s globe-trotting wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings unequivocally declares the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the best T20 league in the world, with other leagues striving to catch up.
At 33, Billings boasts a wealth of experience from five IPL seasons, playing for Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders. His last stint in the IPL was in 2022. Currently, he is in his third season with Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), having also represented them in 2023 and played for Islamabad United during the inaugural PSL season in 2016.
When asked by Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) to compare the IPL and PSL, Billings humorously responded, “You want me to say something silly?” before providing a balanced view.
It’s tough to rank competitions globally, but it’s hard to overlook the IPL as the premier competition.
This year, the total budget for assembling a 25-player squad in the IPL reached 120 crore Indian rupees, a figure that dwarfs the budget in the PSL. The IPL's structured two-month window for international cricket further elevates its quality and player standards.
That's fairly obvious. Other leagues are trying to position themselves below it, like we are with the PSL in England, and the Big Bash in Australia. Each league presents unique challenges, and I love that diversity.
Billings recently led the London-based Oval Invincibles to victory in The Hundred, becoming the first captain to lift the trophy twice, further solidifying his impressive career. Despite being considered for England's white-ball captaincy before it ultimately went to Harry Brook, Billings embraces his role as a cricketing nomad.
This job is incredibly special. I get to travel the world playing cricket and bringing joy to fans. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Adaptability is crucial in cricket, according to Billings, who acknowledged how different conditions— whether in Pakistan, India, or Australia — shape a player's development.
Playing in various competitions undoubtedly makes you a better cricketer. Everyone in the cricket community recognizes that Pakistan has immense talent.
Billings praised the talent pool in Pakistan while suggesting improvements in structured thinking and strategy.
Regarding advice to Lahore's fast bowler Haris Rauf, he shared, “I told Harris to keep it simple. If you’re bowling 150 kilometers an hour, focus on that. Trying to do too much can hinder results. The talent is always here.”
