Groin strain rules Gayle out of SLPL

New Delhi: Chris Gayle, the West Indies opener, has been ruled out of the inaugural Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) three days before it is set to commence, after aggravating a groin injury. The CEO of the Uva Next franchise confirmed the development, and Gayle has been replaced by a fellow West Indian, Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

Tushar Bedi, CEO of the Uva Next franchise, was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo: "Of course it's a blow to lose [Gayle], but we are very happy with the team that we've got and we're still going to win the competition."

Gayle had sustained the niggle during while playing his trade for Barisal Burners in February’s Bangladesh Premier League, and subsequently missed the MiWay T20 Challenge in South Africa. The injury was worsened during the second Test against New Zealand at Sabina Park this week, in which Gayle was decidedly mute with scores of 8 off 55 balls and 8 off nine.

Chris Gayle has been replaced by a fellow West Indian, Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

The 32-year-old had signed a three-year contract with Uva for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 seasons.

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