Sam Billings to play for IPL side Delhi Daredevils
Saturday 6th February 2016
Kent wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings will join Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League.
The 24-year-old England international has been released to play in the tournament which starts in April but is due to return to England for the opening NatWest T20 Blast match against Somerset at 7pm on Friday 20 May.
Kent Cricket CEO Jamie Clifford said: "The Club has agreed to release Sam for the group phase of the Indian Premier League as it is an excellent opportunity to develop his game and play against some world-class players and enhance his prospects on the international stage too.
“This not only benefits the player but the club too and we look forward to welcoming Sam back for the opening NatWest T20 Blast match at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence on Friday 20 May. He would be allowed to return to India in the event that Delhi reach the knock out stages.”
The right-hander will line up alongside India internationals Zaheer Khan and Amit Mishra, Australia bowlers Nathan Coulter-Nile and Joel Paris, West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite and South Africa stars Chris Morris, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Imran Tahir and Albie Morkel.
He could play a specialist batsman as there are three other wicketkeepers in the squad: Indian duo Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant or South African de Kock could also don the gloves.
He is one of four England internationals taking part with Jos Buttler (Mumbai), Eoin Morgan (Hyderabad) and Kevin Pietersen (Pune) also involved.