Chattogram undecided on Gayle

BPL outfit Chattogram Challengers are undecided on whether they will bring in Chris Gayle after the Caribbean star suffered a hamstring injury. The left-hander is expected to be available after January 4 but Chattogram are yet to arrive at a decision to bring in the T20 master.

Gayle previously stated his surprise after being picked by Challengers for the upcoming seventh edition. He had previously played for Mashrafe Bin Mortaza-led Rangpur Riders. While Gayle’s participation for the upcoming was already shrouded in uncertainty, it appears now Chattogram too are having second thoughts.

According to team director Jalal Younus, Gayle has a hamstring injury. “He has suffered a hamstring injury and it will take a few months for him to recover. He will be available after January 4 but by then we will have three league stage matches left. If we don’t make the knockouts then there is no point to bringing him and thus we haven’t arrived at a decision yet,” Jalal told The Daily Star.

The Chattogram outfit is already thinking of replacing Gayle with another batsman. “We will pick a batsman in his [Gayle’s] place. We haven’t decided on any names but discussions are ongoing," Jalal informed.

A total of seven teams will participate in this year’s BPL. Apart from Chattogram Challengers, the other teams are Dhaka Platoon, Cumilla Warriors, Khulna Tigers, Rajshahi Royals, Rangpur Rangers and Sylhet Thunder.