West Indies batsman Chris Gayle will miss the remainder of the Jozi Stars’ Mzansi Super League campaign. Gayle will soon leave South Africa due to family-related reasons.

The hard-hitting left-hander played in the Stars’ first match of the tournament, scoring 23 in defeat to the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants.

He then departed for a stint with the Kerala Knights in the T10 League in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Since his return to South Africa he has struck a mere 20 runs in three innings.

‘I would like to thank Cricket South Africa and the Jozi Stars. It’s always nice to come back and play some cricket here – internationally with the Lions, and now with the Stars,’ said Gayle on Sunday.

‘I’ve made some great memories and it was a pleasure to be a part of this new T20 league. It is unfortunate that I have to leave – it is not the way I wanted this to end. I have a family matter – and family is my number one priority.’

The Stars currently occupy second position in the inaugural tournament’s six-team standings, after five victories in nine attempts. The Cape Town Blitz and Giants are first and third respectively. The Stars will face the Tshwane Spartans at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Photo: Gallo