Dubai: Karachi Kings launched their team for the Pakistan Super League in the UAE scheduled for February and March next year by including many star-studded players.

They paraded their top players including their biggest star Chris Gayle at a colourful function held at the Conrad Hotel.

Others present were former team captain Shoaib Malek, last edition’s man of the tournament Ravi Bopara and the in-form player Imad Wasim.

Malek even announced that the Karachi Kings will be led by Kumar Sangakkara in the next edition in the presence of team owner Salam Iqbaland former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif, who is the team director.

Gayle then spoke exclusively to Gulf News on himself and various topics. Talking about him being away from international cricket and his fitness, Gayle said: “Last couple of weeks have gone well for me from a personal point of view. Definitely, it will take time but now I just focus more on fitness, get the body stronger and do some weights and get a bit trimmed down. It’s actually paying off in the lead up to the next year. I have been out of cricket for sometime now and next month I will be back in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). So eventually I will get back into the cricket groove again and be ready for the PSL in February.”

Gayle, known as a big entertainer, has a message for the UAE fans.

“I am with a new team in Karachi Kings. Last year the PSL got off to a fantastic start and the second edition of the PSL can even get bigger and better. I am sure we may get more turn outs as more new faces have come into the PSL, which is a good thing. The event will be bigger and better but everyone should give it a little more time for it to blossom.”

Gayle is disappointed by the result of West Indies’ ongoing series against Pakistan. “I have not been following it too much, to be honest. I know the result and it has always been difficult to come and beat Pakistan in the UAE. West Indies team introduced some new names and hopefully they used them wisely against the experienced Pakistan team. I am hopeful that they may do well in the next Test match as they put up a good fight in the last Test match (in Dubai). They can use their performance in the last Test as a confidence boost.”

Gayle too fears whether West Indies will qualify for the World Cup. “I hope we don’t reach such a stage when we will be missing out on top tournaments and even the champions trophy as well. It will be a sad thing for West Indies.”

However, Gayle admitted that the way back to the top for West Indies team will be tough.

“For West Indies to reach the top is a long process, long journey for them to actually be around No. 1 or No. 2 and don’t know that will happen but we need to break into simple ways.

“Areas that need to improve must be addressed as to compete with the bigger teams up there. it’s always going to be difficult when you are not settled enough as a team. There is bound to be a lot of diversions.”