West Indies batting superstar Chris Gayle has on Thursday (January 9) declared Pakistan as one of the safest places in the world at the moment, saying the Asian country is safe to play cricket now there as they promise presidential-level security to players.
Gayle is currently in Bangladesh to play his trade in the ongoing Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2019-20 for the Chattogram Challengers.
The latest statement by the Universal Boss might play a key role in Bangladesh Cricket Board taking a decision over sending its players for a series in Pakistan as well as encourage the players for the tour, as the Bangladeshi players are reluctant to visit the country for security reasons.
Bangladesh is scheduled to play three-match T20 International series this January as well as two Tests, though the players are agreed to visit Pakistan for the only T20Is but expressed reluctance to play the Test series with the final call on the tour would be taking this week by the BCB.
However, the hard-hitting batsman, who has scored 1338 runs including a record five centuries and 120 sixes in 38 BPL matches so far at an average of 41.81, feels Pakistan is safe for the game now.
Gayle told reporters in Dhaka on Thursday, “Pakistan is one of the safest places right now in the world. They say you will get presidential security so you are in good hands. I mean we are in good hands too in Bangladesh, right?”
On the personal front, the hard-hitter is not in a mood to retire from the game saying he would 'love to carry on as long as possible' while hinting at playing cricket for another five years.
(With Hindustan Times Inputs)
