XtraTime Web Desk: Kings XI Punjab cricketer Chris Gayle has finally taken off from Jamaica for UAE to take part in the upcoming 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) starting from September 19. The swashbuckling West Indian batsman has tested negative twice before flying off to Dubai. The Jamaican cricketer reportedly attended the birthday bash of his compatriot Usain Bolt last Friday, who tested positive of coronavirus and is currently in home isolation.
The Universe Boss posted a picture of him on his instagram handle before flying off to UAE, with videos of his swab testing, prior to his flight to the UAE.
Upon arrival in the UAE, he will be tested again at the airport, followed by six-day quarantine with further testing on days one, three and five. Gayle will only be allowed to meet his teammates once his tests come negative. The Kings XI Punjab cricketers are staying at Sofitel-The Palm in Dubai.
Kings XI Punjab skipper KL Rahul has said that opening batsman Chris Gayle will be a part of the core group of the side for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.
“We at Kings XI Punjab have had a great experience with Chris and me luckily, I have played with him for years now, we have shared great friendship, we have had some partnerships in the middle, he is a great guy to have in the team,” Rahul said in a video posted on the official website of the IPL.
“He will be a part of our core group, with the kind of experience he has, he will be somebody who will win matches for us,” he added.
Gayle has played 24 matches for Kings XI Punjab in the IPL, managing to score 858 runs with his highest score being 104 not out in the 2018 edition.