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English cricketer Sam Billings, currently playing for Lahore Qalandars in the PSL, declared the IPL as the best T20 tournament bar none
This declaration from Sam Billings has reignited the debate over which league holds the top spot in the T20 cricket world. (News18 Hindi)
The Indian Premier League is superior to any other T20 cricket tournament in the world, English cricketer Sam Billings said when asked to pick between IPL and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) by a Pakistani journalist during a press conference. Billings, who is currently playing for Lahore Qalandars in the PSL, also speculated in jest that the journalist wanted him to “say something silly”.
The incident took place during a press conference where the journalist sought Billings’ opinion on the comparative merits of the IPL and PSL. Billings took the opportunity to express his view, stating, “You want me to say something silly? It is difficult to ignore IPL as the best competition in the world, it is very clear, every other competition is behind it.”
“You know, in England, we are trying to do the same like PSL as the second-best competition in the world, Big Bash too trying to do the same,” Billings said.
This declaration has reignited the debate over which league holds the top spot in the T20 cricket world. The IPL is often hailed for its glamour and extensive international following, a status that no other T20 league, including the PSL, has been able to match.
Interestingly, this is not the first time a Pakistani reporter has attempted to draw a controversial comment by involving the IPL in discussions.
Recently, a similar scenario unfolded when a reporter asked Karachi Kings captain David Warner about the alleged animosity he received from Indian fans for joining the PSL after being unsold in the IPL.
“This is the first I’ve heard of it. From my perspective, I want to play cricket. There’s an opportunity to come to PSL. My international calendar didn’t allow me to come to PSL due to the timings. Now, I want to compete, captain the Karachi Kings, and hopefully we are able to win the trophy,” Warner was quoted as saying.
The Pakistan Super League was founded in 2015 by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Comprising six city-based franchises, the league has grown rapidly in popularity and quality. It typically takes place between February and March. Known for its competitive matches and emerging talent, the PSL has become a key platform for nurturing Pakistani cricketers. Matches were initially held in the UAE due to security concerns but are now hosted across major Pakistani cities.
It, however, pales in comparison to the pull of IPL both from the perspective of spectators and cricketers. The Indian Premier League, launched in 2008 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is today the world’s most lucrative and watched T20 cricket league.
Featuring 10 franchises representing major Indian cities, the IPL combines sports and entertainment on a massive scale. Its mix of international stars and Indian talent has elevated cricket’s popularity globally. Beyond cricket, IPL has also revolutionised sports marketing and broadcasting in India, creating a billion-dollar industry and setting a global benchmark for T20 leagues.
