Gayle’s to miss rest of Mzansi Super League campaign

News

Cricket365
December 10, 2018

Chris Gayle’s participation for the rest the Mzansi Super League (MSL) with the Jozi Stars has been cut short due to his mother passing away last week.

Gayle, who has played in four games in the inaugural season of the tournament, has confirmed that he will be leaving for Jamaica to make the necessary funeral arrangements.

The 39-year-old said. “Although my mom passed away on the sixth of last month she’s not been laid to rest as other family members were not able to get home and they’re flying in this week.

“It’s not been easy to play cricket when you’ve lost your mom, who you’ve also been close to.

“The game was a nice distraction for me, because had I been home it would have been worse, so meeting new team members helped calm me. It’s going to be emotional when I go back.”

The big West Indian played in Jozi Stars’ opening fixture of the MSL before departing for a stint in the T10 League in Sharjah.

He then returned to South Africa and played three more matches, making just 20 runs altogether. He will miss their final league fixture against Tshwane Spartans on Tuesday and any play-off games if the Stars get that far.

Gayle said: “I would like to thank Cricket South Africa and the Jozi Stars. It’s always nice to come back and play some cricket here.

“I’ve made some great memories and it was a pleasure to be a part of this new T20 league. It is unfortunate that I have to leave. It is not the way I wanted this to end. I have a family matter, and family is my number one priority.”