Punjab Kings batsmen Chris Gayle has decided to quit the bio secure bubble in UAE. Punjab Kings on Thursday informed that Chris Gayle has decided to leave the bio bubble to mentally refresh himself for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.
The ‘Universe Boss’ wasn’t in a good form with the bat in the 2nd leg of the tournament. Gayle scored 14 and 1 in his previous two matches for PBKS. Gayle managed to score 193 runs in 10 matches so far at a strike rate of 125. It seems like the strict bio-bubble rules has gotten all over him. Gayle was earlier involved in the Caribbean Premier League before coming to UAE.
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“Over the last few months, I have been a part of the CWI bubble, CPL bubble followed by the IPL bubble, and I wish to mentally recharge and refresh myself,” he said to Cricbuzz.
He added: “I want to refocus on helping the West Indies in the T20 World Cup and would like to take a break in Dubai. My thanks to the Punjab Kings for giving me the time off. My wishes and hopes are with the squad always. All the very best for the games coming up.”
Chris Gayle is not the first player to leave the bio-bubble before the conclusion of the tournament. Earlier this year, Ben Stokes pulled himself out to miss the home series against India. Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell & David Warner also pulled themselves out of the Hundred earlier this year.
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Punjab Kings are now due to sign a replacement for the last three games before the playoff qualification. This further reduces PBKS batting options in the top order.
Anil Kumble, Head Coach and Director of Cricket Operations, PBKS, said, “I’ve played against Chris and have coached him at Punjab Kings and all through the years I’ve known him he has always been an absolute professional and we as a team respect his decision and desire to prepare himself for the T20 World Cup.”
Satish Menon, CEO of PBKS, said, “Chris is a legend who has changed the game of T20 cricket, and we stand by his decision. He is a part of the Punjab Kings family, and his presence will be missed. We extend all support to him and wish him success.”
Punjab Kings are now gearing up to face Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday at The Dubai International Stadium.
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