Gayle, Afridi sign for Big Bash League

SYDNEY — Prolific West Indies batsman Chris Gayle and Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi have signed to play for the Sydney Thunder in Australia’s Twenty20 Big Bash cricket league this summer. Gayle played for the Thunder last season, scoring 252 runs at an average of 42 and hitting a league-high 22 sixes. His tally included a century from 54 balls against Adelaide, which included 11 sixes. Sydney coach Shane Duff said “along with (Australian test opener) David Warner, Chris Gayle is the best T20 player in the world.” Afridi “opted for Sydney as I feel there is a real drive and passion to be successful.” — AP