Gayle is returning to the team where last season he ruined an unbeaten century off 54 deliveries, including 11 sixes, against Adelaide and who finished the competition with an average of 42 for the Thunder with 252 runs.

“I am really happy to have re-signed with the Thunder,” said Gayle the West Indian player who hit the most sixes in the Big Bash League last season.

“After my experience last year, I always wanted to return,” he said.

“I love Sydney, so I cannot wait to get amongst the guys again” he added.

Sydney coach Shane Duff said “along with (Australian Test opener) David Warner, Chris Gayle is the best T20 player in the world.”

Afridi played in the inaugural BBL last year with the Melbourne Renegades, finishing among the league’s top 10 wicket-takers and posting a respectable average of 23 with the bat.

“I was approached by a few teams in the BBL and opted for Sydney Thunder as I feel there is a real drive and passion to be successful this time around, and this is something I want to be part of,” Afridi said.

“Chris is a great guy and a tremendous player. It is always fun playing alongside him and I look forward to seeing him annihilate bowling attacks once again,” he added.

The eight-team BBL begins on December 7 to January 19.