After David Warner, Sam Billings faces awkward IPL vs PSL question by PAK scribe: 'You want me to say something silly?'

After David Warner, Sam Billings faces awkward IPL vs PSL question by PAK scribe (PSL Photo)

Days after David Warner was asked a rather unpleasant question by a Pakistan journalist at the ongoing edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), it was Sam Billings' turn to experience something similar earlier this week. The English wicketkeeper-batter, who is part of the Lahore Qalandars franchise, was asked to compare the PSL with the Indian Premier League (IPL) during a press-conference.

Billings found the comparison funny as he started his response by saying: "You want me to say something silly?" and then went to explain how IPL is leaps and bounds ahead of other franchise leagues, which are trying to catch up. In doing so he also pointed out PSL, The Hundred, and Big Bash as few big leagues, which are behind the IPL.

"It's hard to look past the IPL as the premier competition in the world, it's very obvious, every other competition is just behind, you know in England we are trying to do the same like PSL as the second best competition in world, Big Bash too trying to do the same," he added.

Sam Billings on IPL PSL Comparison" You want me to say something silly? It's hard to look past the IPL as the premier competition in the world, it's very obvious , every other competition is just behind, you know in England we are trying to do the same like PSL as the second pic.twitter.com/3wYJA0uO4IImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) April 15, 2025

The IPL is among the most popular franchise leagues and continues to rule the world of cricket in terms of reach, financial scope, and celebrity power, even though PSL has gained prominence since its launch in 2015, particularly in terms of competitive quality and up-and-coming talent.

The BCCI started the IPL in 2008, and it has since grown into a dominant force in cricket. In addition to changing cricket's financial future, the league has encouraged several other countries to follow its example thanks to its ten city-based franchises, enormous media agreements, and worldwide fan interaction. Eight years after the IPL's debut, the PSL's inaugural season took place.

The news conference situation was reminiscent of a recent conversation between Australian batsman David Warner, who is currently the captain of the Karachi Kings. Warner coolly brushed off a reporter's accusation that Indian fans were making fun of him for choosing to play in the PSL after going unsold in the IPL auction.

“This is the first I’ve heard of it. From my perspective, I want to play cricket… Now, I want to compete, captain the Karachi Kings, and hopefully we are able to win the trophy,” he said.