Dark clouds have been looming large over the forthcoming Bangladesh tour of Pakistan, with reports suggesting not everyone from the Bangla Tigers squad is keen on playing a long series in Pakistan. The said scenario arises after Sri Lanka’s recent visit to Pakistan – divided into two parts – and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is looking to have a similar assignment as opposed to the current one which would see them play 3 T20Is and 2 Tests in one go. Legendary West Indies batsman, Chris Gayle, however, has vouched for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), calling the country as ‘one of the safest places’ in the world at the moment.
“Pakistan is one of the safest places right now in the world. They say you will get presidential security so you are in good hands. I mean we are in good hands too in Bangladesh, right?” Gayle told reporters in Mirpur.
The iconic opening batsman also spoke about the ongoing debate over the length of a Test match, with the ICC looking to make the 4-day version mandatory in the coming years. The West Indies hard-hitter, however, was in favour of keeping the format as is.
“It [five-day Test] has set the trend and it’s been there for ages so why go and mess with that. If they give other players a chance to experience that because it can be a life changing experience to play five-day cricket. It is a mental state so that you can cope in life as well,” he said.
Gayle has been quite selective when it comes to his cricketing career. He hasn’t featured for West Indies since the India series back home and only arrived in the BPL mid-way to sign for the Challengers. He scored 23 off 10 balls against Dhaka Platoon on Tuesday, giving a glimpse of his attacking prowess that hasn’t dwindled.
“It’s a place you want to come and play. Especially after the support you get from the fans, they give you extra drive to do well. They want entertainment in the middle. Sometime it gives you an added boost as a player and being the player I am that’s my game as well.
“It has been fantastic over the years playing in Bangladesh and I really enjoyed it. I am just a little bit late this time around but as I said I am looking forward to back as well. So it’s not like I am finished with you guys and I have a lot more to go and have a lot more to offer,” he asserted.
