Gayle sympathises with cricket lovers of Pakistan

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Gayle sympathises with cricket lovers of Pakistan
Chris Gayle

Sharjah - "Despite my failure with the bat, it was a wonderful victory against one of the top teams - Peshawar Zalmi - captained by my best friend Boom Boom Afridi."

By Liaqat Ali

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Published: Mon 15 Feb 2016, 10:02 PM

Twenty20 cricket has changed the dynamics of the game. People come to watch sixes and fours and nobody cares about technique. T20 owes a lot to players like Chris Gayle - the most sought-after as far as the shorter version is concerned. Some of his innings in the IPL, Big Bash and Caribbean Premier League have set a number of records. Whenever he trudges on the crease, the fans expect sixes and fours to rain from his willow.
He is aware of this fact and tries to entertain the crowd. While talking to Khaleej Times exclusively at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Gayle, representing Lahore Qalandars in the PSL said: "I know people come to watch me hitting sixes and fours and I always try to do that. But sometimes things don't go your way. That is why it is called cricket.
"Despite my failure with the bat, it was a wonderful victory against one of the top teams - Peshawar Zalmi - captained by my best friend Boom Boom Afridi.
"I hope things can change after this match and people will see some fireworks. You need time to gel with new players and I hope my big innings is round the corner."
The reason for PSL conducting its matches in the UAE is due to secuity concerns in Pakistan and Gayle feels that is hurting everybody - players and fans alike.
"I can sympathise with cricket-hungry people of Pakistan for lack of international cricket in their country. I hope the PSL will be staged in Pakistan in near future. It was heartening to see people thronging  the historic Sharjah Stadium. It shows the popularity of the game in this region."
While talking about his injury, Gayle said: "I have got some niggles but it is not a serious injury. I hope to be fully fit soon. I am surviving this and playing cricket."
"Pakistan Cricket Board's efforts to stage the league have brought smiles and all the parties look satisfied so far. This is a wonderful tournament and everybody is enjoying here in Dubai and Sharjah. We have seen some top performances and young Pakistani talent is amazing. They are enthusiastic and eager to learn from big names in the game. The PSL will go a long way in shaping the future of Pakistan cricket."
liaqat@khaleejtimes.com


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