Chattogram Challengers’ West Indies batsman Chris Gayle (L) shares a light moment with captain Mahmudullah during a training session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Thursday. — BCB photo

West Indies superstar Chris Gayle on Thursday advised Bangladesh national cricket team to travel to Pakistan terming it as one of the safest countries in the world.

‘Pakistan is one of the safest places right now in the world. They say you will get presidential security so you are in good hands. I mean we are in good hands too in Bangladesh, right?’ Gayle told reporters in Mirpur.

According to Future Tour Programme of the International Cricket Council, Bangladesh are scheduled to tour Pakistan later this month to play three Twenty20 internationals followed by two Tests.

Although the BCB said it has agreed for only a short visit, the PCB was adamant to their decision of hosting both the series until they came up with a new proposal to host Bangladesh for two Tests only on Wednesday.

In his first interaction with the press after joining Chattogram Challengers this week, Gayle also revealed his support for five-day Test and his plan for the future.

‘It [five-day Test] has set the trend and it’s been there for ages so why go and mess with that. If they give other players a chance to experience that because it can be a life changing experience to play five-day cricket. It is a mental state so that you can cope in life as well,’ he said.

Gayle, who began his campaign in BPL7 by making 23 off 10 balls against Dhaka Platoon on Tuesday, said he still enjoys playing in the tournament.

‘It’s a place you want to come and play. Especially after the support you get from the fans, they give you extra drive to do well.

‘They want entertainment in the middle. Sometime it gives you an added boost as a player and being the player I am that’s my game as well.

‘It has been fantastic over the years playing in Bangladesh and I really enjoyed it. I am just a little bit late this time around but as I said I am looking forward to back as well.

‘So it’s not like I am finished with you guys and I have a lot more to go and have a lot more to offer,’ he added.

Gayle was also hopeful to represent West Indies in the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia later this year and said that he wanted to continue playing cricket for more five years.

‘It would be nice. Like I said the door is open for a chance. Let’s see what happen. We have some bright youngsters ahead as well. I have left the option open to hear back from them as well and see if they want the universe boss, whichever way I am going to go,’ he said.

‘I would love to carry on as long as possible in T20 and franchise cricket as well. I still play a few games here and there around the world because I still think I have a lot to offer.

‘The body is feeling good and I am sure I am getting younger as the days go so I am looking forward to it,’ he said.