Gayle given IPL challenge

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle has joined the Bangalore Royal Challengers for the remainder of the IPL season.

Batsman angers WICB after joining Bangalore

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle has joined the Bangalore Royal Challengers for the remainder of the Indian Premier League season. Gayle has been recruited by the outfit as a replacement for Australian fast bowler Dirk Nannes, who was ruled out of the competition with a side strain. The big-hitting Gayle is no longer contracted by the West Indies Cricket Board but still required a no-objection certificate to be cleared to participate in the IPL. "It's official now. The explosive Chris Gayle is now a part of the RCB squad after receiving clearance from the WICB," franchise owner Vijay Mallya said on Twitter. The 31-year-old left-hander, who played for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the three previous editions of the IPL, did not attract any bids at this year's auction due to fears over international commitments. But he is now set to miss the whole of the Windies' home series against Pakistan, which includes a Twenty20, five one-day internationals and two Test matches. The WICB said they were "surprised" that Gayle has accepted an offer from Bangalore and "did not accept" his reasons for missing the Pakistan series.