Gayle, Afridi sign to Australian Big Bash team

Star West Indian big-hitter Chris Gayle and Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi have signed to play in Australia's domestic Twenty20 competition for the Sydney Thunder, the team said Monday. Gayle is returning to the team where last season he smashed an unbeaten century off 54 deliveries, including 11 sixes, against Adelaide and who finished the competition with an average of 42 for the Thunder with 252 runs. "After my experience last year, I always wanted to return," said the West Indian who hit the most sixes in the Big Bash League last season with 22. "I love Sydney, so I cannot wait to get amongst the guys again." Afridi played in the inaugural BBL last year with the Melbourne Renegades, finishing among the league's top 10 wicket-takers and posting a respectable average of 23 with the bat. "I was approached by a few teams in the BBL and opted for Sydney Thunder as I feel there is a real drive and passion to be successful this time around, and this is something I want to be part of," Afridi said. The eight-team BBL begins on December 7.