Chris Gayle cuts an imposing figure at the crease. What the former West Indies cricket captain lacks in foot movement, he makes up for with sublime hand-eye coordination. During a match last month, the 1.88-metre-tall Gayle utilised his generous wing span to power yet another six over the mid-wicket boundary.

The self-styled “Universe Boss,” known for treating opposing bowlers with disdain, is arguably cricket’s greatest mercenary, travelling the Earth to wield the willow for the highest bidder. Aside from playing more than 100 Test matches and owning the record for highest individual score, the fastest century and most sixes in a Twenty20 innings, Gayle has earned more than $10 million playing in the Indian Premier League alone.