The Lankan Premier League (LPL) is set to go underway with its inaugural edition starting on November 26 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota.

The Kandy-based franchise Kandy Tuskers is one of the five teams that will be participating in the first-ever LPL tournament. They boasted of huge international stars like Liam Plunkett and the self-proclaimed Universe Boss Chris Gayle in their side.

LPL 2020: Kandy Tuskers rope in Munaf Patel, Lasith Malinga’s participation under cloud

However, to the disappointment for the franchise, fans, and the players, the Jamaican cricketer has pulled out of the tournament.

The official Twitter handle of the Kandy Tuskers confirmed the news. The tweet read, "We are sad to announce that Chris Gayle will not be playing for us in this year's @LPLT20_"

We are sad to announce that Chris Gayle will not be playing for us in this year's @LPLT20_ https://t.co/zI6RmJlXkQ

— Kandy Tuskers (@KandyTuskers) November 18, 2020

It will be a huge loss for the Tuskers if there is no Chris Gayle on their side as they will be losing the leader of their batting attack. A loss as big as this might be the difference between them winning the tournament and falling short.

Adding to the woes of the Tuskers, the England pacer Liam Plunkett has also pulled out of the tournament, according to the same Twitter page. However, they have managed to rope in former Indian cricketer Munaf Patel in their side for the inaugural edition of the LPL.