Gayle’s pat for Dubai sports bodies
Giant West Indian mimics Malayalam superstar Mohanlal as he backs community cricket Amin Farooq, secretary of the Dubai Cricket Council (DCC) and Ghazi Al Madani, the Sports Tourism Manager of Dubai Sports Council (DSC) were in for a treat as Gayle posed
It’s not often that the taciturn West Indies allrounder Chris Gayle will want to take a picture with someone. For most cricket fans, it is a dream to get close to this hard-hitting batsman and to be able to take a snap with him will be eternal glory.
Gayle, who was here as the brand ambassador of the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) during the inauguration of the third edition of the tournament at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai, put his arms around the two top officials of the Dubai sports bodies that is supporting the event and posed for a snap.
Amin Farooq, secretary of the Dubai Cricket Council (DCC) and Ghazi Al Madani, the Sports Tourism Manager of Dubai Sports Council (DSC) were in for a treat as Gayle posed with them after conducting the toss. Gayle believes that community cricket should be encouraged and hence those supporting it needs a pat on their back.
Mimicking
In fact, Gayle even mimicked Malayalam film superstar Mohanlal for a local radio station that is backing the event. He narrated Mohanlal’s popular dialogue ‘Nee Po Mone Dinesha’ in blockbuster movie Narasimham.
Gayle also batted without wearing pads and lofted the ball high to the delight of over 2000 spectators that had turned up for the inauguration.
The opening match was between Trivandrum Titans and Kannur Royals. Batting first, Titans were all out for 73 in 19 overs. Royals reached the target losing just four wickets in nine overs.
In the second match of the day, Kollam Knight Riders registered a four-wicket victory over Malappuram Sul-thans with Malappuram scoring 110 for 9 in 20 overs and Knight Riders reaching the target in 19 overs.
The winning team can pocket Dh75,000 while runner-up can win Dh45,000. All the matches will be played under floodlights from 6pm to 12am, marked by colourful events and festivities bringing together the community for a monthlong celebration of cricket.