Jamaica and West Indies batting star Chris Gayle has been released by Pakistan super league (PSL) team Karachi Kings ahead of the start of the new season.

Gayle played for the Kings last season after previously representing the Lahore Qalanders in the first edition of the tournament.

The big left-hander, however, struggled to make an impression during his time with the franchise, making 160 runs in nine matches, where he averaged 17.77 had a high score of 44.

However, Gayle was not the only one who was left out by the franchise, as his West Indies team mate Kieron pollard who was the team’s third highest scorer last season, was also released.  Sri Lanka batting star Kumar Sangakkara was also among those released by the team who finished fourth in last season’s competition.

All the five franchises in the PSL were required to release 10 players, two in each category including foreigners to allow new entrant Multan Sultans to sign on 10 players next week.

Last year’s edition was won by the Peshawar Zalmi with former West Indies captain Darren Sammy.