TORONTO, Canada, CMC – Twenty20 legend Chris Gayle is among several West Indian stars expected to feature when the third edition of the Global T20 Canada bowls off today following a three-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 43-year-old, in the twilight of what has been a glittering career, is down to turn out for Mississauga Panthers who clash with Brampton Wolves in the curtain-raising game of the July 21 to August 6 tournament at Brampton Sports ClubAlso expected to feature are former West Indies white-ball captain Carlos Brathwaite and in-demand all-rounder Andre Russell, both of whom are on the roster of Montreal Tigers. However, Russell is currently playing for Los Angeles Knight Riders in the inaugural Major League Cricket in Texas, which winds up July 30. Also listed to turn out for Tigers is West Indies all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford who played the last of his six T20 Internationals three years ago and has since focussed almost exclusively on the franchise game.
Former West Indies Under-19 fast bowler Matthew Forde is part of the Surrey Jaguars lineup while batsman Nicholas Kirton, who played the last of his four first class matches for his native Barbados in February but has continued to represent Canada internationally, has been signed by Toronto Nationals.
Left-arm spinning all-rounder Fabian Allen, who has disappeared from the West Indies radar over the last 18 months, has been listed to represent Vancouver Knights.
Six franchises will play a total of 25 matches, with the top four qualifying for the playoffs.
The inaugural season of the Global T20 Canada was staged in 2018 and continued the following year, before being curtailed by the pandemic.
