Puthuppally: West Indies cricket legend Chris Gayle, popularly known as the ‘Universe Boss’, paid floral tributes at the grave of former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy during his visit to Puthuppally.
Gayle’s visit has drawn considerable attention from cricket fans and local residents. After paying his respects at Oommen Chandy’s grave, the former West Indies batting star proceeded to take part in a series of public, cultural and sporting programmes organised in Puthuppally.
The visit is aimed at bringing wider national and international attention to Puthuppally’s sporting and cultural potential. Gayle is also scheduled to participate in a public programme and interact with students during his visit.
A traditional welcome showcasing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage has also been organised, featuring several traditional art forms including Kathakali, Pulikali, Koodiyattam, Kalaripayattu, Thiruvathira, Koothu and Panchari Melam.
The cricket icon’s itinerary also includes a visit to a site at Vennimala being considered for the development of an international cricket stadium. Organisers hope Gayle’s presence will provide greater momentum to cricket promotion and sports infrastructure development in the region.
Chris Gayle’s floral tribute at Oommen Chandy’s grave has added a special emotional moment to his Puthuppally visit, bringing together the worlds of international cricket, Kerala’s cultural heritage and the enduring public memory of the former Chief Minister.
