Durban - West Indies star Chris Gayle will turnout for the Dolphins later this season after signing a deal to play in the domestic Twenty20 competition, the Durban franchise announced on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old, widely regarded as the best 20-over batsman in the world, returns to the coastal union after his initial spell in the 2011/2012 season ended without playing a game.
“I am really excited to have joined the Dolphins for their 2014 campaign,” Gayle said via a statement.
“I feel there’s some unfinished business for me as I didn’t get to play for them back in 2012 due to injury.
“They’ve got a great list of players so hopefully we’ll be in contention at the business end of the tournament. I am very much looking forward to working with (coach) Lance Klusener and the rest of the guys.”
Gayle would join Englishman Graham Onions as the second foreign player at the Dolphins - the fast bowler has signed for the entire season - for the tournament, scheduled to be held between January 8 and February 10.
“The signing of Chris Gayle by the board and management of the Dolphins is a great scoop for the franchise,” Faeez Jaffar, president of the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union, said.
“Chris Gayle adds a great deal of international experience and adds depth to the teams’ batting. The younger players will learn a great deal from the experience and exploits of a batting master.
“We believe a player of the calibre of Chris Gayle will help re-ignite the spectator support that we once enjoyed and at present miss at Kingsmead. We, at the board and at council are committed to bringing world class performers to play for the Dolphins.”
Gayle averaged 43.90 and had a strike rate of 151.84 in his 156 T20 matches.
He was also a useful off-break bowler with 67 wickets to his name.
Sapa