Shahid Afridi, Chris Gayle join Sydney Thunder

By Nadene Smith

SYDNEY (TheSportsNext) July 23, 2012: Former Pakistani and West Indian cricket skippers Shahid Afridi and Chris Gayle have signed to represent Sydney Thunder in the Australia’s domestic Twenty20 league called BigBash.

 

The Sydney Thunder officials announced Monday inclusion of the two players who have the biggest reputation as T20 players in cricketing world.

Chris Gayle was also part of Sydney Thunders last season where he had struck an eye-catching 54-ball century against Adelaide and finished the BigBash 2011 with an average of 42 scoring 252 runs in the competition.

The former West Indian captain said, "After my experience last year, I always wanted to return. I love Sydney, so I cannot wait to get amongst the guys again."

On the other hand, Pakistan’s explosive all-rounder Shahid Afridi had finished among the top ten bowlers and scored with a moderate average of 23 while representing Melbourne Renegades in the inaugural BigBash League.

Shahid Afridi, also known as Boom Boom, said, "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”.

The BigBash League 2012, which will have eight participating franchises, will swing into action on December 7, 2012.

With inclusion of greats of T20 cricket like Chris Gayle and Shahid Afridi, Sydney Thunder would fancy their chance to lift the trophy this season.