West Indies stalwart Chris Gayle envisions a bright future for the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20 after lending his participation to the inaugural edition being held in Sharjah currently.

Gayle is turning out for the Balkh Legends who stormed into the final of the competition with a thumping 171-run win over Nangarhar Leopards in the semi-final on Friday.

“At least this league will ensure a start for Afghanistan. The base has been laid and we all know that we can actually build on this inaugural edition of the APL. I am sure a lot of the other players have noticed this league and they will show an interest as well and the league will continue growing,” Gayle told Gulf News on the eve of the semi-final.

The veteran opening batsman also believes that Afghanistan’s young talents can benefit tremendously from their participation in the league.

“They (the youngsters) are now in a unique position to take a lot from what the other players have done so far in this tournament. They are free to take whatever they can and use it in their game,” Gayle stated.

The 39-year-old also jested that he would be willing to travel to Pakistan or Afghanistan for the first time should he be provided with a private jet.

“I have never been to Afghanistan. We will have to wait and see if I will undertake a trip there. If you have a private jet then send it to me, and that would be my condition to visit Pakistan and Afghanistan,” he joked.

Asked if he would participate in the second edition of the league next year, Gayle replied: “We shall see what happens next year. There is still time and there is so much of cricket left in-between now and the next edition.”

“Let us see what happens when that time comes.”

Gayle’s Balkh Legends will be in action on Sunday in the final at Sharjah where they will take on the victors between Kabul Zwanan and Paktia Panthers.