NEWS
Follow UsEngland wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings has picked the Big Bash League ahead of the ILT20 in the UAE and the SA20 by signing a three-season deal with Sydney Thunder. He becomes the first overseas player to sign a multi-year contract in the BBL.
The right-handed batter played two seasons for the Thunder in 2020-21 and 2021-22 before moving to Brisbane Heat for the next two editions. Billings was one of the players to leave the last competition early to feature in the ILT20.
The aforementioned three T20 leagues often end up overlapping, and this new multi-year contract in the BBL requires the player to play the entire edition including the finals from the 2025-26 season. Billings has already confirmed that he will be available for the entire 2024-25 season.
"I love Sydney and in particular Western Sydney and the chance to come back to a family club that is so connected to their members and fans and the people from the area was too good an opportunity to ignore," Billings said.
"On the field we are pulling together a really good squad and the chance to work with such an accomplished coach as Trevor Bayliss again was very appealing.
"The BBL is in such a great place these days, it's well run, well supported and definitely the best tournament in the world staged at that time of the year. That's why I have committed long term and to be here right until the end of the tournament each year."
Meanwhile, teams’ new general manager Trent Copeland said: "The beauty of bringing a player the calibre of Sam Billings to the club is not just the elite skillset he brings to every facet of the game but also his leadership on and off the field.”
Sydney Thunder BBL squad 2024-25: Wes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings, Oliver Davies, Matt Gilkes, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, William Salzmann, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha
If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out. Play Fantasy on Cricket.com NOW! Download the App here.
