Srinagar: Lahore Qalandars batter Sam Billings gave out a straight forward reply to a question from Pakistan journalist that had a touch of a comparison between PSL and IPL.
“You want me to say something silly?” he said, anticipating the intent behind the question posed by the journalist.
“It is difficult to ignore IPL as the best competition in the world, it is very clear, every other competition is behind it.”
Billings’ remarks have since triggered conversations about the global standing of T20 leagues. While the PSL has grown in stature since its inception in 2015, especially in terms of competitive quality and emerging talent, the IPL continues to dominate the global cricketing landscape in terms of reach, financial scale, and star power.
Expanding on the global T20 ecosystem, Billings added, “You know, in England, we are trying to do the same like PSL as the second-best competition in the world, Big Bash too trying to do the same.” His remarks, though not dismissive of the PSL or other leagues, underscored the towering stature the IPL enjoys among players and fans alike.
The IPL, launched in 2008 by the BCCI, has evolved into a cricketing juggernaut. With 10 city-based franchises, massive broadcasting deals, and global fan engagement, the league has not only reshaped cricket’s commercial future but also inspired several other nations to emulate its model. The first edition of the PSL came 8 years after the IPL was launched.