Win Projections to be updated soon
England’s wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings has made headlines by becoming the first player to sign a multi-year contract in the Big Bash League (BBL). Billings has committed to a three-season deal with Sydney Thunder, prioritizing the BBL over competing T20 leagues in the UAE and South Africa.
Billings, who previously played for Sydney Thunder in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons before joining Brisbane Heat, is set to return to his former club. Last season, he was among several overseas players who left the tournament early for the ILT20. The new multi-year contract option by the BBL aims to secure player commitments for the entire season, including the finals, starting from the 2025-26 season. However, Billings has gone a step further by committing to the entirety of next season’s edition as well.
“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.”
Billings praised the BBL, saying, “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.”
Sydney Thunder is looking to rebuild after finishing bottom in last season’s BBL with just one win in 10 matches. New general manager Trent Copeland and former England coach Trevor Bayliss, who recently signed a one-year extension, are leading the rebuild.
“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,” said Copeland.
Billings is the second Thunder signing confirmed in two days, following the addition of highly-rated young batter Sam Konstas on a two-year deal. Konstas, 18, made his New South Wales debut last season and was part of Thunder’s squad last summer. He later represented Australia at the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa, contributing to their title win.
The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) has also adopted the multi-year contract mechanism, with New Zealand allrounder Amelia Kerr being the first player to sign under the agreement. She moved to Sydney Sixers from Brisbane Heat.
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
With this strategic move, Sydney Thunder aims to strengthen their squad and improve their performance in the upcoming seasons, leveraging the experience and leadership of players like Billings.
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