IPL 2023: In the latest development, it has been learnt that England international Sam Billings has decided to opt out of the upcoming edition of the IPL.
The Englishman has decided to pull out of the IPL in a bid to focus on the longest format of the game. The England wicketkeeper-batter represented two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders earlier.
The wicketkeeper took to his official Twitter handle to announce his decision. He further added that he wants to focus more on longer format cricket.
The two-time IPL champions acquired the services of Sam Billings for Rs 2 crore at the IPL 2022 mega auction in Bengaluru earlier this year in February.
The wicketkeeper has played as many as 8 games during the last season. Overall, he managed to aggregate as much as 169 runs at a strike-rate of 122.46.
On the other hand, he has been pretty decent as a wicketkeeper behind the stumps, effecting seven dismissals to his name.
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IPL 2023: Sam Billings Pulls Out Of The Upcoming Edition Of The IPL
Sam Billings will make himself available for his county Kent at the start of the IPL 2023 season unless he is called up for national duties.
For the unversed, he made his Test debut during a day-night Ashes Test in Hobart. The 31-year-old wicketkeeper batsman will apply his skills in the upcoming Big Bash League.
In fact, he was a Platinum Pick during an overseas player draft two months ago. The Englishman will be representing Brisbane Heat franchise in the BBL.
“Have taken the tough decision that I won’t be taking part in the next IPL,” Billings added in a tweet on Monday. “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, Kolkata Knight Riders! Loved every minute of it. An amazing franchise with some brilliant people. Hopefully see you again in the future,” he added in another tweet.
Overall, Billings has played 30 games in the Indian Premier League since 2016. He has hit 503 runs at an average of 19.3. Billings has slammed three fifties to his name.
