IPL is the best franchise league in the world: Gayle
Former cricketer Chris Gayle has joined the Kochi Blue Tigers as a co-owner and expressed his support for the Kerala Cricket League. Gayle also praised the IPL as the world's premier franchise league and commented on the rebuilding phase of West Indies cricket.
Why it matters
The involvement of global sports icons in regional leagues signals the growing commercialization and professionalization of local cricket ecosystems in India.
Chris Gayle loves Keralam though he doesn’t have great memories of the State 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.
He, however, remains enamoured by the beauty of Keralam. “It is actually good to be back here,’’ Gayle said. “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. But I am now here for a different reason,’’ added the 46-year-old, sporting a custom-made Kochi Blue Tigers jersey.
“To be part of Blue Tigers as a co-owner is something new and fantastic, something to look forward to particularly in the future. I think from a player’s point of view, being associated with a team after a career in any sport is fantastic.”
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