St Lucia Zouks sign Chris Gayle for CPL 2020

Chris Gayle has joined St Lucia Zouks as a marquee player for the Carribean Premier League 2020 after Jamaica Tallawahs decided not to retain the batsman. Gayle played the first four seasons of the league with Jamaica Tallawahs and made a move to St Kitts and Nevis Patriots for the next two seasons.

Subsequently, the southpaw once again moved to Jamaica Tallawahs last season. The left-hander got off to a blistering start as he smashed 116 in his second match in CPL 2019. However, the Universe Boss could not continue his magical form going as he mustered 243 runs in 10 innings. Furthermore, the club also finished as the wooden spooners in the tournament.

Meanwhile, St Lucia Zouks is owned by KPH Dream Cricket Private, which is Kings XI Punjab’s parent company. Gayle represents the Punjab side in the IPL and it could be a move to strengthen the bond with the star player. On the other hand, the new management has roped in Andy Flower as the head coach of the franchise.

St Lucia Zouks were knocked out in the group stages in the previous edition of the IPL but the think tank has decided to retain their captain, Darren Sammy. Sammy is delighted with the signing of Gayle and added it is great news for the side.

“This is great news for St Lucia Zouks and for me as a captain to have the universe boss on my side,” Sammy said. “Chris is one of the most successful T20 batsmen in the world and with his experience with our young openers, a lot can be learnt from Chris.

Chris Gayle is the most successful batsman in T20 history. The combative batsman who has the skills to obliterate the opposition bowling, has amassed 13296 runs (which is the most in the shortest format) in 404 T20 matches at an impressive average of 38.20 and a blistering strike rate of 146.94.

Furthermore, Gayle is the highest run-getter in the CPL history as he has accumulated 2354 runs in 76 matches at an average of 39.23 and strike rate 133.44. Thus, St Lucia Zouks will hope Gayle bats at his best in the upcoming edition of the league.

Meanwhile, CPL 2020 is scheduled to begin from August 19 and the final will be played on September 26. However, the tourney is under dark clouds due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Written by: Gautam Chauhan