One of the world's most exciting cricketers, Chris Gayle, has been named to play in next year's seventh edition of the T20 Black Clash - a celebrity match boasting some of the biggest names in New Zealand sport.
"Once a universe boss always a universe boss… the six machine is coming so Dan Vettori (Team Cricket captain) you and your crew.. the universe boss is ready to smash you guys all over the park," he said.
The West Indies power-hitter joined Team Rugby as a wildcard after seeing his great mate Brian Lara feature in this year's match.
"I swear thought it was a tournament and I was like 'what T20 tournament is that Brian Lara playing in?' but then I come to realise it's Black Clash," he said.
"I asked him more about it and he said he had fun and then my manager reached out to Carlena (Carlena Limmer from Duco Events) and then Stephen Fleming asked my availability and luckily I was so we did it," said Gayle.
He admitted to being somewhat disappointed it wasn't a rugby match.
"I wanted to be on the wing for the All Blacks, going down the wing you know what I’m saying? Giving guys a few shoulder bumps and let them know I'm here, that the universe boss is here," he joked.
The West Indies power-hitter joined Team Rugby as a wildcard after seeing his great mate Brian Lara feature in this year's match. (Source: Breakfast)
"But I'm still in the All Blacks team.. I'm with the rugby guys, so let's rough them a bit, that’s what the universe boss always does, roughs up the bowlers."
Next year's match is on January 18 at Christchurch's Hagley Oval.
Gayle is the only player to score more than 14,000 runs and hit more than 1000 sixes in T20 cricket — and he's promising more boundaries when he takes to the field in New Zealand next January.
"I'm truly looking forward to meet the rugby players and I'm gonna just be myself and with my personality, i'm sure i'll get on with each and everyone.
"Kieran (Read) got some runs in the last one — 80+ — so hopefully we get get a good partnership in the middle," he said.
The T20 Black Clash continues to bring in huge television audiences and will screen again on TVNZ.
More key signings are to be announced in the coming weeks.
You can register for the waitlist for first release tickets here https://www.blackclash.co.nz/ Pre-sale is October 2, before tickets open up to the general public October 3.
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