Gayle opts out of CPLC 2022, joins The 6ixty tournament
BASSETERRE, St Kitts & Nevis — Jamaican cricketer Chris Gayle has opted out of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) to instead focus on The 6IXTY tournament, a “revolutionary” fast-paced format of cricket, which will commence on August 24 in St Kitts & Nevis.
In a release on Monday, Gayle was named as the brand ambassador for the game. He will also be playing and acting as host for the six men’s teams.
“I am going for the shorter format this year. I am genuinely excited about the current innovations in the 6IXTY and seeing how they play out. In particular, I am looking forward to the mystery team ball and hitting two sixes in the first 12 balls to unlock a third PowerPlay over,” Gayle said.
The game, which is a collaborative effort between Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the organisers of CPL, will feature, as the name suggests, 60 legal deliveries in each innings with only six wickets per team. Additionally, cricket fans will be able to vote for the timing of a “Mystery Free Hit” in which a batter cannot be dismissed by the bowler.
There will also be three women’s teams who will be competing for the Universe Boss Trophy, named in Gayle’s honour.
To that, the leading T20 player expressed: “It is a great feeling to actually have a trophy named after The Universe Boss, something fantastic, and I am really and truly looking forward to it. I am sure people will ask if this is real, a trophy named for Chris Gayle. Yes, it is happening, and I am really happy about it. I am looking forward to all the innovations.”
CWI president, Ricky Skerritt said the tournament will serve as a tribute to Gayle and his contribution to the sport.
Meanwhile, Hero CPL’s CEO, Pete Russell said: “Chris Gayle has been such a huge part of the CPL’s success, and we are delighted he has agreed to be a big part for this exciting new opportunity for Caribbean cricket. There is no one who better represents Cricket’s Power Game, and partnering with him for this event is hugely exciting. We can’t wait to watch Chris smash even more sixes at The 6IXTY.”
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