The Universe Boss will return to the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots for the coming season of the Hero CPL, set to bowl off in St Kitts and Nevis on August 28 and conclude on September 19.

Gayle had been released by the Jamaica Tallawahs and was picked up by the St Lucia Zouks. However, on the day before the player draft, Gayle informed of his decision to sit out the tournament.

According to reports around the situation, Gayle sent an email to the Zouks’ management indicating that because of the lockdown he was not able to meet his family and his child who are in St Kitts while he was in Jamaica. He said he needed the break to spend time with his family.

Gayle played for the Patriots in 2017 and 2018, guiding them to the final of the CPL in the first year of his contract.

Meanwhile, Bangladeshi star player, Shakib al Hasan has joined the Jamaica Tallawahs for the 2021 season. This will be the second time that the world’s leading spin-bowling allrounder has represented the Tallawahs, having been with the franchise in 2016 and 2017.

Faf du Plessis will be playing for the St Lucia Zouks this season.

The former South Africa captain has been in outstanding form in recent months for the Chennai Super Kings at the Indian Premier League where he made four consecutive half centuries, including 95 not out against Kolkata Knight Riders. This is his second stint at the Hero CPL, having played for the Patriots in 2016.