Chris Gayle, Shahid Afridi added to Sydney Thunder roster

Star West Indian big-hitter Chris Gayle and Pakistani allrounder Shahid Afridi have signed to play in Australia's domestic Twenty20 competition for the Sydney Thunder, the team said on Monday.

Gayle is returning to the team where last season he smashed an unbeaten century off 54 deliveries, including 11 sixes, against Adelaide and who finished the competition with an average of 42 for the Thunder with 252 runs.


Pakistani all-rounder Afridi finished amongst the league's top-10 wicket-takers playing for the Melbourne Renegades in 2011-12.

Gayle is arguably the best T20 player there's been and coach Shane Duff is delighted to have him back in lime green.

“Along with David Warner, Chris Gayle is the best T20 player in the world, and I am sure the fans of Sydney Thunder will be excited to come to ANZ Stadium to watch him play again. For many of the players it will be a unique experience to play in the same team and have the chance to learn from the great man,” said Duff.

Gayle said he always planned to return to the western Sydney team.

“I love Sydney, so I cannot wait to get amongst the guys again,” he said.

Like Gayle, Afridi is vastly experienced in the short form of the game, having played 110 matches.

The mercurial talent can win games with either bat or ball and is looking forward to playing for the Thunder.

“I was approached by a few teams in the BBL and opted for Sydney Thunder as I feel there is a real drive and passion to be successful this time around, and this is something I want to be part of,” said Afridi.