Chris Gayle loves Kerala despite not having great memories here as a player. In the only international match he played in Kochi in 2013, the ‘Universe Boss’ pulled his hamstring and was run out for a duck. However, he remains enamoured by the natural beauty here.
“The last time I came here was with my family while I was playing for Punjab Kings. I had a great time in the backwaters in Kerala. But I am now here for a different reason,’’ he continued, sporting a Kochi Blue Tigers jersey, a franchise he is now a co-owner of.
“I think from a player’s point of view being associated with a team after a career in any sport is fantastic. I met Subash (Manuel) in the UK and the discussions took place through a mutual friend and eventually it became a reality,’’ he said.
Gayle feels he has a lot to offer in building the brand.
“The IPL (Indian Premier League) is the biggest franchise cricket league in the world and Kerala Cricket League (KCL) can open doors for players to the IPL. Having someone of my calibre as part of KCL is huge and I can share my views on how to build the league,’’ he said.
When asked about his thoughts on the current state of West Indies cricket, Gayle remarked, “They are in a rebuilding situation right now. They just finished 1-1 in the series against Pakistan. It is a long process to go forward as well. I don’t want to say anything more about it now.’’
Gayle later released the official Kochi Blue Tigers App and then played an over of friendly spin from his old rival S. Sreesanth and hit towering sixes to the delight of the small crowd at the Greenfield stadium.