Sam Billings is set to be playing more County Championship cricket at Kent in the early stages of the 2023 season - after opting not to take part in next year’s Indian Premier League.

The Kent captain has been regularly involved in franchises around the globe which have meant he has missed chunks of recent Kent campaigns.

But the 31-year-old, back in England’s squad for their three-match One-Day International series against Australia which starts in Adelaide on Thursday morning, says he is “looking to focus on longer-format cricket” ahead of the start of next summer.

On Twitter, the Pembury-born wicketkeeper wrote on Monday: “[I] have taken the tough decision that I won’t be taking part in the next IPL @KKRiders.

“[I am] looking to focus on longer-format cricket at the start of the English summer with @kentcricket.

“Thank you so much for the opportunity @kkriders - loved every minute of it. An amazing franchise with some brilliant people.

“Hopefully see you again in the future.”

It comes after Billings made his Test debut in January for England in Hobart in the Ashes. He scored 29 in the first innings and a single run in the second innings as they were beaten by 146 runs.

Amid various IPL stints, he has played for the then-named Delhi Daredevils - now the Delhi Capitals - and the Chennai Super Kings as well as the Kolkata Knight Riders. He has played in the Australian Big Bash, The Hundred and The Pakistan Super League too.

Kent say he will still feature for the Brisbane Heat in this year’s Big Bash League, though, after being drafted as a platinum pick in the tournament’s first-ever overseas player draft in August.

Billings, who penned a Kent contract extension in July until at least the end of the 2025 season, last played for Kent in September in a heavy County Championship Division 1 defeat to Essex before he missed their final two four-day games of the 2022 campaign with a groin injury.