Chris Gayle lands in Kottayam, gets a star-studded welcome in Puthuppally

Kottayam: West Indies cricket legend Chris Gayle arrived in Kottayam on Sunday, drawing hundreds of fans to Puthuppally for a glimpse of the former international star.

Gayle travelled from Thiruvananthapuram to Puthuppally by helicopter. His helicopter landed around 12.25 pm, about two-and-a-half hours later than originally scheduled. His journey was delayed due to the Vice-President’s visit to Thiruvananthapuram.

Puthuppally MLA Chandy Oommen, his sister Mariya Oommen and representatives of the Puthuppally panchayat welcomed Gayle on his arrival.

Gayle then travelled to Puthuppally Church in a vehicle driven by Chandy Oommen and paid floral tribute at the tomb of former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. He later proceeded to a reception venue in Puthuppally town.

As part of his visit, Gayle will also visit the ground where an international cricket stadium is proposed to be built in Puthuppally.

Gayle is the co-owner and mentor of Kochi Blue Tigers in the Kerala Cricket League. He arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday to watch the team's match.