Chris Gayle has reportedly signed a contract to play cricket with the Endowment Hills Eagles, an Australian provincial cricket team, after six years he played in the Big Bash League.
The 42-year-old hasn’t played cricket in Australia since a well-documented exit from the BBL in 2016, but will suit up for Victorian club side Endeavour Hills Eagles for their 2022/23 season.
The club announced the news via social media on Sunday, with the big-hitting superstar inking a one-year deal.
Hills chairman Arun Rajendran commented on Gayle’s Joining, saying “Gayle is an all-star player with the quality to bring fans to the ground.”
In addition to Gayle, West Indies’ Fidel Edward and Under-19s Star Matthew Ford will also be playing for the Endeavor Hills Cricket Club 2022/23 season.
“We are delighted to announce another signing for the Eagles. Promising young fast bowler from the Caribbean. He has represented the West Indies at the u19 level and also played in the recent u19 world cup. Welcome to the family Matthew Forde!! ” said Endowment Hills Eagles
The club already boast a plethora of big names, including former internationals Tillakaratne Dilshan,and Shoaib Malik.
Endeavour Hills have also announced the signing of former Sri Lankan quick Suranga Lakmal for the upcoming season.
Explaining the purpose of bringing these experienced players to his team, Chairman Rajendran said that he hopes to acquire the knowledge and encouragement required by the young players in the cricket community and the future of the club from these senior players.
“We have a lot of youth at the club and with the help of these players; we can hopefully inspire and provide knowledge to the future of the club.”
He hopes the move will be a success and will strengthen the Sub divisional Cricket team for the upcoming season.
. “The vision for the club is to strengthen our playing 11 in sub-districts.”
Speaking further Chairman Rajendran said,
“We are looking at promoting our juniors all the way through. We are looking to strengthen the club as well as the players in the club.”
“That included the members, the sponsors, and to get some additional support from the council to upgrade facilities.”