Sam Billings is to stay in Australia for the entire BBL season

English cricketer Sam Billings believes it’s bad for everyone when overseas players leave the Big Bash League (BBL) early to join other rich tournaments before the finals. That’s why he’s excited about his new three-year deal with the Sydney Thunder. This contract means he’ll stay in Australia for the whole BBL season, including the finals.

Sam Billings and his fellow English cricketer James Vince couldn’t play in last season’s final between the Heat and the Sixers. They had to leave early to join the ILT20 tournament in the United Arab Emirates.

This year, Vince will leave the Sixers again before the finals. But Billings will stay with his team from the start to the end, after spending the last two seasons playing for Brisbane.

“It’s huge, not only for me individually, but also as a tournament as a whole,” the Thunder batter said at Coogee Beach in Sydney.

“It doesn’t help anyone (having players leave). No one benefits from that situation with people jetting in and out everywhere.

“As players, you want to play in those big games. It was just the way it happened that I’d already agreed to that contract. Everyone was aware that the international players were going to leave, but they signed us on the basis of that.

“I don’t think it was anyone’s fault, but by allowing these pre-draft and these long-term contracts, I think everyone wins out of these situations.

“I can build a synergy with the fans and there’s a consistency that I want to play for one team across the next few years and compete and win titles for the franchise.”

Sam Billings calmed worries about the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) possibly stopping players from joining T20 leagues overseas during their home season. He explained that this wouldn’t affect tournaments like the Big Bash League (BBL) or the Indian Premier League (IPL). The ECB wants top local players to take part in their major domestic events.

Still, Billings thinks the situation might not be as serious as some people believe.

“I don’t think it’s a ban. I think they’re looking to address the overlap,” he said.

“I think it’s gotten too far now, but it’s tricky. As players, we only have a short career so we want to maximise it. I’ve got a young family so you want to maximise it.”

Billings, David Warner, and rising star Sam Konstas will kick off their Big Bash League season when the Thunder take on the Strikers on December 17. Just four days later, they’ll face their city rivals, the Sixers, at ENGIE Stadium.

That game will bring a match-up against James Vince, who is back for his seventh season with the Sixers. The Renegades tried to snag him in the draft with their second pick, but he chose to stay loyal to the Sixers.

Last season, Vince scored 244 runs but missed out on playing in the final. This year, the experienced batter might face another early exit from the tournament.

“It feels good to have other teams interested, but it’s even better to be back with the Sixers, where I’ve played for the past few years,” he said. The Sixers are set to play against the Renegades next Monday.

“I have great relationships here, and the team has done pretty well over the years, so I’m happy to return.

“Missing the final wasn’t ideal. The draft system makes it tricky because you can’t always commit to the whole tournament if you’re signed with another team, and sorting out availability can be tough.

“It’s not something I can control. I’d love to be here for the finals because some of my best cricket memories are from winning games with the Sixers.

“It’s disappointing to miss the end, but I’ll do my best to help the team make it to the finals again.”