IPL 2023: England batter Sam Billings opts out of IPL to focus on longer format
England wicketkeeper batter Sam Billings on Monday opted out of next year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) to focus on the longer format of the game.
“Have taken the tough decision that I won’t be taking part in the next IPL @KKRiders. Looking to focus on longer format cricket at the start of the English summer with @kentcricket,” Billings tweeted.
“Thank you so much for the opportunity @kkriders ! Loved every minute of it. An amazing franchise with some brilliant people. Hopefully see you again in the future.”
Thank you so much for the opportunity @kkriders ! Loved every minute of it. An amazing franchise with some brilliant people.
Hopefully see you again in the future 💜 pic.twitter.com/hxVVXfRqEE
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) November 14, 2022
Billings played eight games for Kolkata Knight Riders earlier this year, scoring 169 runs an average of 24.14. He made his IPL debut in 2016.
Billings has also played 25 ODIs and 37 T20Is for England. He was not part of England’s victorious T20 World Cup squad in Australia.
He made the announcement to withdraw from IPL a day before the deadline for player retention by the teams. The mini-auction will take place in Kochi on December 23, 2022.
