News

Chris Gayle signs for Pokhara Rhinos

In what is the biggest signing in Nepal’s T20 history, Chris Gayle has signed on to play for the Pokhara Rhinos in Everest Premier League 2020. 

The league confirmed the news at a press meet at the Soaltee Crown Plaza in Kathmandu today, with members of the press excited by the prospects of the Universe Boss in action. 

Gayle joins fellow West Indian Dwayne Smith, as well as Upul Tharanga and Mohammed Shahzad as Full Member signings for the 2020 tournament.

“It’s almost unbelievable that a man who is synonymous to T20 cricket will be playing for my team in Nepal’s biggest T20 event,” Pokhara owner Deepa Agarwal said. 

“This is going to be an exciting learning opportunity for all my players to play with this legendary cricket and the rest to play against him. We are ready for the Gayle Storm!” 

While sources have told Emerging Cricket that the number of games Gayle will play is unknown, it is the biggest statement the league has made in terms of its recruiting. Boasting over 20 hundreds in the T20 format, Gayle brings experience and global stardom that has never been seen in the country.

EPL Founder and Managing Director Aamir Akhtar explained that securing Gayle’s signature had been a lengthy process.

“It was after months of negotiations that we have landed Chris Gayle and now it’s up to every Nepali, whether a cricket fan or not, to utilize his presence to the optimum.

“When you’re talking Chris Gayle, you’re talking beyond cricket. Of course he is one of the finest the game has ever seen in terms of power hitting and strong will, but I feel the inclusion of Chris Gayle will benefit Nepali Cricket as a whole and also the promotion of Visit Nepal 2020.”

Financial details of Gayle’s deal are confidential.

Keep up with news and events from cricket’s new world on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Looking for audio content on the emerging game? Add the Emerging Cricket Podcast to your favourites on Apple, Spotify and Podbean.

Daniel Beswick

Co-founder and one of our #ECPod hosts, Daniel is currently helping on ICC's coverage via their digital client. Daniel has also commentated and presented on ICC.tv broadcasts for pathway events since 2019, and in a rare feat called action at both USA vs PNG and Namibia vs Oman ODI matches at WCL2 2019 on the same day. Daniel has also been a member of WBBL/BBL and Olympic productions at Channel 7, also supporting commentators and on-air talent for the network’s coverage.

Recent Posts

USA Cricket terminate World Cup coach Stuart Law

USA Cricket have dismissed head coach Stuart Law on Friday.  The termination comes in spite…

3 weeks ago

Kathryn Bryce makes WBBL return with Hurricanes

Scotland Women's captain Kathryn Bryce has signed on for the Hobart Hurricanes for this season's…

3 weeks ago

Dream realised as Scorchers sign Suwandewi for WBBL10

Indonesia all-rounder Ni Made Putri Suwandewi will share a dressing room with recent T20 World…

3 weeks ago

‘We Want to Make Cricket a Mainstream German Sport’ – Deutscher Cricket Bund VP

“Across continental Europe, except for Netherlands and maybe Serbia and Corfu, it’s the same thing.…

3 weeks ago

Netherlands welcome county foursome for Oman series

The Netherlands will be reinforced by the availability of four county-contracted players when they travel…

1 month ago

Japan Cricket Association’s Alan Curr on Asian Games, Olympics and the combined Asia-EAP T20WC qualifiers

“Yeah, we have all seen the Reuters article, but as far as we’ve been told…

2 months ago