IPL 2022: IPL Is The Biggest Domestic Tournament In The World - Sam Billings

England wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings said the Indian Premier League (IPL) is the biggest domestic tournament across the globe. The IPL is less than a week away to get underway with its 15th edition on March 26 (Saturday).

The cash-rich league not only has allured the Indian fans but also has a global appeal because of the participation of the star overseas players. The first phase of IPL 2021 (April 9- May 4) garnered 380 million television viewers, as revealed by BCCI secretary Jay Shah on October 1 last year.

It’s a pleasure for players to play in IPL: Sam Billings

Billings, who has previously played with Delhi Capitals (DC) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL, will play for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) this season after the franchise purchased him on his base price of INR 2 crore.

The Kent player lavished praise on IPL and said players want to come to India because of the atmosphere created by the enthusiastic fans.

“Sam Hai Taiyaar. KKR Hai Taiyaar. I think the IPL is the biggest domestic tournament in the world. You don’t need to say anything more than that. It’s my sixth year and absolutely love playing over here in India,” Billings said in a video uploaded on KKR’s social media handles. 

“I think the support, the fans take it to a completely different dimension to any other sport in the world. You’ve got 1.2 billion people or so. And everyone absolutely loves cricket. So it’s a pleasure for players to play here. It’s an honour to play here,” he added.

IPL 2022: Sam Billings could don the gloves behind the stumps for KKR

Billings has scored 334 runs in 19 IPL innings at a strike rate of 133.6, the England player is likely to keep wickets for the two-time IPL champions in the upcoming season.

Saurashtra player Sheldon Jackson is another choice available for the franchise in their squad. KKR will play its first game against defending champions CSK on March 26 at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.

Also Read: IPL 2022: KKR Skipper Shreyas Iyer Hails ‘Team Man’ Who Always Talks About Winning