Former Australia wicketkeeper batsmanAdam Gilchrist has been named the second international franchise player tocompete in the Caribbean Premier T20 League (CPL) starting July 29.
Gilchrist , who has toured the Caribbean three times as a player, joins hisformer Australia team-mate and captain Ricky Ponting as the latestinternational high-profile star to link up with the CPL.
For the Australian legend, the Caribbean is the scene of one of his greatestcricketing triumphs where he smashed 149 from only 104 balls in the final ofthe 2007 World Cup in Barbados.
"I am very excited to be on board with CPL, and am looking forward tocoming back and playing cricket in one of the most beautiful places on theplanet," said Gilchrist.
"The CPL will feature some of the world's best cricketers and I can't waitto test my skills and play in what is going to be a dynamic and excitingcompetition."
Gilchrist will find out which franchise he will be lining up for when the CPLdraft takes place at the end of May.
He was part of the all-conquering Australia side that dominated cricket formore than a decade from the mid-1990s.
Besides Gilchrist and Ponting, the West Indies franchise players for thetournament are: Darren Sammy, Dwayne Bravo, Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, KieronPollard and Marlon Samuels.
"I always have fond memories of my time playing cricket in the Caribbeanand visiting all of the stunning locations and attractions that are on offerfor the players and spectators alike," Gilchrist reminisced.
"Plus, I love playing the Twenty20 format and there is absolutely nobetter place anywhere to do this than the West Indies."
Gilchrist, 41, also captained Australia in six Tests, 17 ODIs and two T20Is andis due to play for Kings X1 Punjab in the Indian Premier League ahead of hisCPL commitment.