Gayle, known as the “Universe Boss”, posed for fans and signed autographs before opening the batting for Endeavour Hills, a Victorian Sub-District Cricket Club in Melbourne’s south-east, captained by former Sri Lankan Test cricketer Tillakaratne Dilshan.
He said he spent Saturday night in Melbourne with good friend and Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt.
Gayle was joined by former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik. However, English star Dawid Malan was a no-show.
Former West Indies great Chris Gayle gets ready to play for Endeavour Hills.Credit:Penny Stephens
Gayle and Malik said they would be playing in another game for Endeavour Hills next Sunday.
“It’s good to be here. [I’m here for] a good time, not a long time,” Gayle told The Age.
Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik receives his cap.Credit:Penny Stephens
“I’m just here for two games then that’s it.”
Malik said he was approached to play through his agent and he jumped at the opportunity.
When asked about his response to the police investigation, Malik said: “Whatever’s written in the contract, it’s been fulfilled. I’m just here to play cricket,” he said.
Dilshan said it was a huge coup for his club to attract the world-class cricketers.
“I think it’s a big thing for the club,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of youngsters coming up, especially with COVID the past few years, it’s a great opportunity for the youngsters to share the field with international stars like Chris Gayle and Shoaib Malik.”
Asked whether the police investigation had impacted the day, Dilshan said: “I’m the captain, I don’t know what’s happened on the management side, I just focus on cricket only.”
Gayle and Malik were presented with green and gold caps before the game, their first for Endeavour Hills, which didn’t start until 3.30pm.
“Look after the debutant,” Gayle joked after receiving his cap, before padding up to open the batting.
He carried his bat through the 20-over innings, finishing unbeaten on 95 from 65 balls, which included eight sixes.
He hit consecutive sixes in the sixth over, the second going out of the fenced venue into the front yard of a neighbouring house, triggering calls for the bowling side to find a new ball. But police officers, who were watching from the sidelines as the ball went over their heads, were able to retrieve the ball for play to resume.
He later put one onto the balcony, caught by a spectator in a section of the stands where access cost as much as $119.99 for a ticket, which included finger food and access to a private bar.
Endeavour Hills set Western Districts a target of 168 to chase. Popular DJ Havana Brown was booked to play at the break of innings. General admission tickets for the match were priced at $25.
Next Sunday’s T20 match will be played between Endeavour Hills and the GI Strikers, also at Shepley Oval.
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