Multiple foreign cricketers have been opting out of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2023) to focus on their national duties. Last week, we witnessed a long list of cricketers announcing their parting ways with the cash-rich league for the sixteenth season to prioritize national commitments.
English cricketer Sam Billig was expected to be part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). However, he has revealed his concentration on the longer format with Kent county. In a tweet on Monday, he said,
“Have taken the tough decision that I won’t be taking part in the next IPL,”
Have taken the tough decision that I won’t be taking part in the next IPL @KKRiders
Looking to focus on longer format cricket at the start of the English summer with @kentcricket pic.twitter.com/7yeqcf9yi8
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) November 14, 2022
Another English star, Alex Hales, was also set to play for the Purple Force. Nevertheless, he has not shown any interest in taking part in IPL 2023, preferring to serve in other T20 leagues in Australia, UAE, and Pakistan.
Furthermore, Australian skipper Pat Cummins has prioritised resting before the upcoming edition of the Ashes Test series and ODI World Cup 2023 in India. He was also all set to don a KKR jersey in the IPL 2023.
While talking on his social media, the Australian captain said,
“The international schedule is packed with Tests and ODIs for the next 12 months,”
“I will take some rest ahead of an Ashes series and World Cup.”
