CPL 2022: Chris Gayle opts out of tournament to focus on 6ixty

West Indies batter Chris Gayle has opted out of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2022 to turn his focus to ‘6ixty’, a ten-over tournament that will be played from August 24 to 28 in St Kitts, just before the CPL 2022 edition. The left-handed batter, on June 28 (Tuesday), told about his decision in a press statement.

It must be noted that Gayle has been appointed as an ambassador for the 6ixty. The tournament will see the six men’s CPL teams and three women’s teams take part in the inaugural edition. Both local and some foreign players are also expected to play in the tournament.

I am going for the shorter format this year: Gayle said in a statement

Chris Gayle is the second leading run-scorer in CPL behind Lendl Simmons after smashing 2519 runs at an average of 36.50 and strike rate of 133.13. “I am going for the shorter format this year. I am genuinely excited about the current innovations in the 6ixty and seeing how they play out. In particular, I am looking forward to the mystery team ball and hitting two sixes in the first 12 balls to unlock the third powerplay over,” Gayle said in a media statement according to ESPNCricinfo.

Talking more about 6ixty, each team will be allotted ten overs to bat in their innings. However, there are several rules and regulations which have been tweaked as compared to the traditional ten-over match. Each team will be allotted just six wickets instead of ten, a floating third powerplay will be unlocked if the batting team manages to hit two sixes in the first two-over powerplay.

The fielding team will be allowed to bowl five consecutive overs from the same end instead of changing ends after every over. Failure to complete the ten overs during the allotted time of 45 minutes will result in the exclusion of a fielder for the final six balls of the innings. The fans will also be involved in the games as they will be able to vote for a ‘mystery-free hit’.