Durban - West Indies all-rounder Chris Gayle has signed a deal to play for the Dolphins later this season in the domestic twenty-over (T20) competition, the Durban-based franchise confirmed.
The 31-year-old is the second major signing for the union, who announced last month that Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait will also play for them in the during the tournament held from February 15 to March 30 next year.
"I am really excited to be joining the Dolphins," said the hard-hitting opener.
"T20 is a form of the game I love and to get the opportunity to play in a beautiful place like Durban is massively appealing.
"South Africa will provide a new challenge, and I'm sure alongside Shaun Tait and under the guidance of Graham Ford we can be a success."
Gayle, a former captain of his country, recently fell out with the West Indies Cricket Board after criticising them and coach Ottis Gibson in an interview earlier this year.
He was subsequently dropped for a home series against Pakistan and instead opted to play in the Indian Premier League for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, which finished the tournament as runners-up.
Gayle was crowned the leading runs scorer and also remained the only batsman to have hit a century in a T20 international.
Dolphins coach Graham Ford said he was excited at having such an quality player involved in their campaign.
"Chris has an amazing record as a player and will not only bring a huge amount of flair and excitement to our cricket but will also bring a vast amount of experience and knowledge," said Ford.
Gayle, one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world, averages 36.38 and has a strike rate of 150.13 from 68 T20 matches.
He is also a useful off-break bowler with 39 wickets to his name.
The 31-year-old is the second major signing for the union, who announced last month that Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait will also play for them in the during the tournament held from February 15 to March 30 next year.
"I am really excited to be joining the Dolphins," said the hard-hitting opener.
"T20 is a form of the game I love and to get the opportunity to play in a beautiful place like Durban is massively appealing.
"South Africa will provide a new challenge, and I'm sure alongside Shaun Tait and under the guidance of Graham Ford we can be a success."
Gayle, a former captain of his country, recently fell out with the West Indies Cricket Board after criticising them and coach Ottis Gibson in an interview earlier this year.
He was subsequently dropped for a home series against Pakistan and instead opted to play in the Indian Premier League for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, which finished the tournament as runners-up.
Gayle was crowned the leading runs scorer and also remained the only batsman to have hit a century in a T20 international.
Dolphins coach Graham Ford said he was excited at having such an quality player involved in their campaign.
"Chris has an amazing record as a player and will not only bring a huge amount of flair and excitement to our cricket but will also bring a vast amount of experience and knowledge," said Ford.
Gayle, one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world, averages 36.38 and has a strike rate of 150.13 from 68 T20 matches.
He is also a useful off-break bowler with 39 wickets to his name.