Sky's commentary team has been teasing its audience with suggestions one of the biggest names in world cricket will be making a surprise appearance for Central this season.
Gayle, who has been playing in Australia's Big Bash League, has been linked with the move, though Central chief executive Hugh Henderson recently told the Dominion Post the rumours were far-fetched.
''It would be nice to have a guy like that coming in,'' he said.
''There is no signed agreement with anyone and these things take ages.''
It was not a wholly convincing effort to hose down the rumours. However, with Central Districts out of contention, it would seem counter-intuitive for the association to fork out the big money needed to attract Gayle.
But the association might not have to, with suggestions a New Plymouth businessman is prepared to fund Gayle's trip.
