Gayle looking forward to Mzansi Super League
sharjah — ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle will add another chapter to his bludgeoning list of T20 leagues around the world when he lined up in the Mzansi Super League (MSL), South Africa’s own league.
The West Indian has played in various leagues around the world like the IPL, PSL, Australian Big Bash, BPL and the Caribbean Premier League.
And now, the 39-year-old is looking forward to conquering new territory. Gayle also lent his name to the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) in Sharjah in the UAE.
The Mzansi Super League has been 18 months in the making, on and off the table, but will finally see the light of day next month.
The league will take place from November 16 to December 16.
“Hopefully, it will go ahead this year. I know they tried their best last year to actually get it going but it didn’t happen,” said Gayle.
“It is good to see some of the names actually drafted in the tournament. South Africa is always a great place to play cricket and a great environment to play cricket. I love playing in South Africa. I have a good record in South Africa. So, I’m actually looking forward to it,” he added.
Gayle will turn out for Jozi Stars after he and other international marquee players like England captain Eoin Morgan and Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan were picked in a mini-draft.
Meanwhile, Gayle said that the APL was a good start and hoped that they can cement it further.
“Next year, I don’t know what will happen. I will have to make that call when that actual situation comes around,” said Gayle when asked if he would travel to Afghanistan if the league was held there next year.
“But atleast, this is a start for Afghanistan and hopefully they can actually build on this. Where ever you play it next year, I’m sure you will have guys around the world who will actually tour Afghanistan as well. You have guys who have been to Pakistan so we will see what happens next year,” he added.
Gayle also said that the APL has been a boon for young players in Afghanistan and picked out 18-yearold batsman Darwish Rasooli from his team Balkh Legends.
“I hope they take what the senior players have actually done so far in this tournament. It is actually good to rub shoulders with some youngsters in the dressing room and for them to take actually whatever they can and put it in their game. Some of them have had a superb tournament so far. I’m impressed with Darwish, he kind of caught my eye a bit,” observed Gayle.