KARACHI: Lahore Qalandars’ wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings, who has previously played in three editions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), recently made headlines for his frank remarks about the global T20 cricket landscape.
Speaking to the media, Billings was asked to draw a comparison between the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the IPL.
In response, the English cricketer quipped that it is difficult to ignore the IPL’s reputation as the leading T20 competition globally.
“Do you want me to say something daft? It is hard to overlook the IPL as the top competition in the world—it’s quite obvious. Every other league is a step behind. In England, with the T20 Blast and The Hundred, we’re aiming to replicate the PSL as the second-best tournament worldwide. The Big Bash League (BBL) is striving for the same,” Billings commented.
The 33-year-old, who last played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2022 IPL season, is currently in fine form in the ongoing PSL.
Sam Billings bounces back
After being dismissed for a duck in Lahore Qalandars’ opening fixture, Billings bounced back superbly with an unbeaten 50 off just 19 deliveries against Quetta Gladiators.
In their most recent match, the Qalandars cruised to a dominant 65-run triumph over Karachi Kings at the National Bank Stadium.
Batting first, Lahore posted an imposing 201/6, courtesy of half-centuries from Fakhar Zaman and Daryl Mitchell.
Billings contributed with a quickfire 19 from 10 balls in the closing overs, helping his side accelerate despite a four-wicket haul from Karachi’s Hasan Ali.
Fiery opening spell
In response, Karachi’s innings faltered early as captain David Warner and James Vince, who had scored a century in the previous outing, were both dismissed for two-ball ducks, courtesy of a fiery opening spell by Shaheen Afridi.
Tim Seifert and Shan Masood offered brief resistance, each scoring 18, but the collapse continued, with the Kings losing seven wickets for just 50 runs.
Khushdil Shah put up a valiant effort, scoring 39 from 27 balls, yet it proved insufficient.
A late partnership with Hasan Ali pushed Karachi’s total to 136 before they were bowled out in 19.1 overs.
The commanding win marked Lahore’s second successive away victory, following their opening defeat against Islamabad United.
The Qalandars are set to face Multan Sultans, captained by Mohammad Rizwan, in another away clash scheduled for 22 April.
