Sam Billings inks contract with Antigua & Barbuda Falcons ahead of CPL 2024

Sam Billings

Sam Billings has joined the newly formed Antigua & Barbuda Falcons squad for the 2024 Caribbean Premier League. Billings is currently playing The Hundred 2024 and captaining the Oval Invincibles as the team has reached the finals of the latest edition. The all-rounder has had an underwhelming outing batting in six innings and has scored 82 runs at an average of 16.40.

Billings has been an active participant in the franchise cricket leagues all over the globe. Apart from The Hundred, the England batter has also featured in IPL, BBL, PSL and ILT20. The upcoming signing with Falcons for CPL 2024 will see the 33-year-old representing the 17th franchise across different leagues. It is worth noting that he played his last T20I in 2022 in Bridgetown and his frustration was palpable as he let out a gasp over non-selection.

Also Read: CPL 2024: Everything you need to know about upcoming tournament

“The idea is, if I play well, if I’m playing in winning teams and contributing to winning teams, that gives me the best chance of being in the World Cup. I know my game suits the subcontinent in terms of playing spin, especially in 50-over cricket. A lot can change and it’s a long time until the World Cup. No. Everyone wants to play for England, of course, they do. [But] I’m 31, I’ve run the drinks for eight years. I just want to play cricket, enjoy my cricket,” said Billings in 2023.

The wicketkeeper-batter has featured in 37 T20Is for England with 478 runs at an average of 17.07. Speaking of his ODI status, he played his last game on November 22 and was not selected for the World Cup 2023. Once deemed to replace Alex Hales, he pursued his career in franchise cricket. In 326 T20s, he has amassed 6392 runs at an average of 24.21 and a strike rate of 133.02.