Australian Big Bash side Sydney Thunder have announced the signing of West Indian powerhouse Chris Gayle. Gayle joined Sydney Thunder after the Perth Scorchers rejected his contractual demands, the Western Australia Cricket Association said.
Gayle finished this year's Indian Premier League season as the highest run-scorer in the tournament for the Bangalore Royal Challengers despite missing quite a few matches during the start of the tournament.
The 31-year-old left-hander was delighted with the deal and said he was looking forward to forming a devastating opening partnership with David Warner.
"I am thrilled to be able to come to Sydney and play for the Thunder," Gayle said in a statement.
"Having worked well with (coach) John Dyson in the West Indies, I was impressed with his plans for the Thunder and I think the team will have a great chance to win this competition.
"I look forward to walking out to open the batting with David Warner when the season starts."
The WACA said it made an offer USD 265,000 to Gayle through his management company.
WACA chief executive Graeme Wood said it was disappointing to lose Gayle after he had played for the WA Warriors in the past two Big Bash competitions.
The Big Bash T20 tournament runs from December 30 to February 5. Details of Gayle's Sydney Thunder offer were not disclosed.
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