Picture Credit: X/PSL
England wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings, who is currently plying his trade in the tenth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 for the defending champions Lahore Qalandars, gave his take on the evergoing PSL versus Indian Premier League (IPL) debate. Although, the England batter also threw light on several other leagues being played around the world, but called the Indian T20 league as the “best in the world”.
Speaking at the post-match press conference after Lahore Qalandars’ 65-run win against the Karachi Kings in match number six of the PSL 2025, Billings said that IPL is far moe better than the PSL, but also added that there is tough battle between the leagues like PSL, Big Bash League (BBL), The Hundred and SA20 for the second place.
It's hard to look past the IPL: Sam Billings on PSL vs IPL debate
The Kent cricketer when asked of the comparison, replied, "You want me to say something silly, don't you? The great thing about cricket is that everywhere you go around the world, you have to adapt to conditions. The conditions - playing in India, Pakistan, Australia, and England - you have to adapt as a cricketer," leaving everyone in the room in laugh.
"It's hard to rank all the competitions. But, I think it's hard to look past the IPL as the premier competition. It's pretty obvious. Every other competition is just behind. In England, we're trying to do the same thing, like the PSL, to be the second-best competition in the world. The Big Bash is trying to do the same,” he added.
Watch video of Sam Billings on IPL vs PSL debate:
The 33-year-old further added that while it is difficult to compare these competitions as all provide different challenges, seeing new conditions. "I think it's hard to compare. Each competition brings out different challenges. I am grateful that I get to travel the world and play cricket and bring a smile to the people. I wouldn't trade this job for anything," Billings further continued.
Speaking of the England cricketer, Billings has been playing franchise cricket for sometime now. While he made his PSL debut as early as 2015-16 for Islamabad United. Since 2023, Billings has represented Lahore Qalandars in PSL. In the IPL, Billings has played five seasons, playing for Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.
