Karachi Kings sign Chris Gayle for the upcoming PSL season

Karachi Kings have signed up Chris Gayle for the second season of the Pakistan Super League, trading fast bowler Sohail Tanvir with the Lahore Qalandars for the services of the big-hitting West Indian batsman. The ARY-owned franchise, who finished fourth after a modest outing in the first season, also singed up Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara to serve in a player-cum-mentor role. Babar Azam, the young batting sensation, became the side’s third new acquisition, having moved from 2016 champions, Islamabad United.

The high-profile Kings struggled for balance in the first season with the team securing only two victories through the league phase of the tournament. Shoaib Malik, the team’s captain stepped down from captaincy ahead of the eliminator clash against Islamabad, handing over the reins of the side to Ravi Bopara. The team management has, however, retained coach Mickey Arthur as the head coach with the support staff bolstered by the inclusion of Azhar Mehmood. Malik and Rashid Latif will be part of the team’s advisory board.

The team recently organised a talent hunt program named ‘Khiladi Ki Khoj’ with an aim to unearth young talents for Karachi Kings A team. Players who get selected for the A side will have chance to graduate to the to the senior side.

“The amount of talent that we have got to see during the trial period has been astounding. With thousands of players coming in from all over Pakistan, we feel proud to be part of an initiative that is making efforts to bring in new blood to this great game,” Salman Iqbal, the team owner said.

“Our confidence and belief in Karachi Kings have never been higher, with the morale of the team in high spirits, we are ready to take on any challenge and the team is all set to give a ground-breaking performance in the field,” added a confident Iqbal.

The second season of the PSL is scheduled to be played in February 2017 in UAE. The Pakistan Cricket Board remains eager to host a couple of games in Pakistan. The season will be preceded by a draft process, to be held in Dubai, on October 18 and 19.