Published: Sep 15, 2015, 07:59 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 15, 2015, 08:10 PM (IST)
West Indian explosive batsman Chris Gayle, along with fellow countrymen Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo are confirmed to be part of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which is scheduled to be played in Doha in February next year. The trio signed the deal for the league, which is owned by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), with the intention of preparing themselves for the upcoming ICC World Twenty20 2016 which will take place in India in March-April 2016. Apart from the trio, Darren Sammy, Sunil Narine and England cricketer Owais Shah are also reported to be in league’s draft pool, in which the organizers seek atleast 25 foreign players.
“Obviously top guns like Gayle are stars who attract fans. They lend commercial value, showbiz glitz and tournament credibility. They are also sources of inspiration and emulation for our budding players,” Najam Sethi, head of PCB Executive committee, was quoted as saying according to a report on ESPNCricinfo.
Gayle’s participation was confirmed by the agency that manages the Jamaican star batsman, which confirmed that he had signed the pre-draft agreement on Monday. The left-handed batsman, who currently plays for T20 franchises such as Royal Challengers Bangalore and Jamaica Tawallahs in the IPL and CPL respectively, is expected to be the biggest draw for the crowd in the league, which will feature franchises based on the cities of Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta and will be hosted at the West End Park International Stadium in Doha.
Pakistani cricketer-turned-commentators Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja have been roped in as brand ambassadors for the league. While the logo for the league will be revealed in a ceremony on September 20, the board is still looking for stakeholders to bid for franchises, with the broadcast rights yet to be settled. READ: Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja appointed brand ambassadors of Pakistan Super League
