Overseas star commits to entire BBL season

English star Sam Billings says no one benefits from overseas players leaving the Big Bash League early to play in cashed-up competitions before the finals start, which is why he’s thrilled to have returned to the Thunder on a three-year deal that will keep him in Australia for the entire tournament.

Billings and fellow Englishman James Vince missed this year’s final between the Heat and the Sixers after they flew out early for the ILT20 in the United Arab Emirates.

And while Vince will again leave the Sixers before the finals, Billings is available from start to finish after spending the past two seasons in 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.”

Billings also watered down fears the England and Wales Cricket Board would ban players from featuring in overseas T20 leagues that clashed with their domestic season.

That wouldn’t apply to competitions like the BBL or the Indian Premier League, with the ECB keen to ensure the best local players are available for their biggest domestic competitions.

However, Billings isn’t sure it’s as extreme as it’s been made out.

“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 young gun Sam Konstas will open their BBL campaign when the Thunder face the Strikers on December 17, with a Sydney showdown against the Sixers at ENGIE Stadium coming up four days later.

That’ll mean a clash against Vince, who is returning for a seventh season with the Sixers despite the Renegades trying to steal him with their second pick in the draft.

Vince scored 244 runs last season but missed the final, with the veteran batter facing another early exit this season.

“It’s nice to be wanted by a couple of franchises, but it’s nice to be back with the Sixers where I’ve spent the last few years,” he said, with the Sixers to face the Renegades next Monday.

“I’ve got good relationships here and the team has been reasonably successful over that period, so it’s good to be back.

“It wasn’t ideal (to miss the final). It’s probably the one negative in the draft that you can’t commit to the full tournament if you’re signed elsewhere and you’ve got to sort your availability out.

“It’s kind of out of my control. I’d like to be here for the finals because some of the best memories I’ve got in cricket are winning here, especially here at the Sixers.

“It’s a shame to not be here at the end, but I’ll make sure I try to help them reach the finals again.”