I’ve been hunting an interview with Chris Gayle since the start of the Mzansi Super League, it finally happened at Boland Park, writes Khalid Mohidin.

Every time I tried the conventional route, something happened or got in the way of me meeting the “Universe Boss”. 

In the Paarl Rocks’ home game against the Jozi Stars at Boland Park, I stood one meter away from him, recording footage of him signing autographs and taking selfies with the Paarl faithful.

I looked over to Nabeelah next to me, and I said “I have to ask”, she answered “yes, if you don’t try now you might never get him.” 
She was right, this was Gayles last game at one of the Western Cape sides’ home ground.

I had to wait for a few fans to finish up their photos with him, and then I walked up to him, palms sweaty and butterflies in my stomach. It was Chris Gayle after all. A West Indies great and the master of T20 cricket.

“Hi Chris, I’m Khalid from Cricket Fanatics Magazine, may I please ask you a few questions for our new platform?” 

“Yeah sure,” said Gayle, with his signature smile. Tournament made.

Unfortunately because of the difficulty of getting hold of a star like Gayle, I had a limited time with him. But he said enough in his characteristic relaxed manner to make the interview entertaining.

Here’s the full interview: