NEW DELHI: England wicket-keeper Billings Sam On Monday, he opted out of next year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) to focus on the game’s longer format.
Billings appeared in eight games for the Kolkata Knight Riders earlier this year, scoring 169 points while averaging 24.14. He made his IPL debut in 2016.
“I have made the difficult decision not to take part in the upcoming IPL. Looking to focus on longer format cricket at the start of the English summer with @kentcricket,” Billings tweeted.
“Thank you so much for this opportunity @kkriders! Loved every minute. Amazing franchise with brilliant people. Hope to see you again in the future.”
Billings appeared in eight games for the Kolkata Knight Riders earlier this year, scoring 169 points while averaging 24.14. He made his IPL debut in 2016.
“I have made the difficult decision not to take part in the upcoming IPL. Looking to focus on longer format cricket at the start of the English summer with @kentcricket,” Billings tweeted.
“Thank you so much for this opportunity @kkriders! Loved every minute. Amazing franchise with brilliant people. Hope to see you again in the future.”
Thank you so much for the opportunity @kkriders! I loved every minute. An incredible franchise with shine… https://t.co/SBzV8rmcr4
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) 1668409586000
The 31-year-old made his unexpected Test debut in January when he was signed at the last minute for the fourth Ashes Test against Australia in Hobart.
He then played one Test each against New Zealand and India later in the year.
Billings also played 25 ODIs and 37 T20Is for England. He was not part of England’s T20 World Cup winning squad in Australia.
He made the announcement to withdraw from the IPL a day before the teams’ player retention deadline. The mini auction will be held in Kochi on December 23.
