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Chris Gayle defends his decision play in the IPL

Chris Gayle has asserted that he felt excluded by the West Indies Cricket Board, leading him to opt for the financially lucrative IPL instead of fulfilling his national team obligations.

The ex-captain mentioned that he had to accept an offer from Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL as he was uncertain about his position in the West Indies squad, especially after being dropped for the early matches of Pakistan’s tour.

Gayle’s choice prompted a furious response from West Indies officials, who expressed dissatisfaction regarding the way he managed the circumstances.

Reluctantly, they issued him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to compete in the IPL.

However, just hours later, Gayle criticized the WICB during an enlightening radio interview while in India.

He revealed that after sustaining an injury during the World Cup, he covered all medical expenses in Britain before heading back to Jamaica, where he undertook a rehabilitation program with his personal trainer.

“In Barbados, a set of players was chosen for a training camp, but I received no call, and no one reached out to me, so I chose to let it be,” an emotive Gayle recounted in an hour-long discussion on Jamaican radio station, KLAS Sports.

“I kept up with my training routine, and I discovered through media that a Twenty20 squad and a One-day International squad had been announced, and I was shocked to see the headline in the newspapers, ‘Gayle, Sarwan, Chanderpaul dropped’.”

He expressed confusion over the lack of communication from the WICB officials.

Gayle believed they should have at least contacted him to evaluate his fitness at the West Indies High Performance Centre in Bridgetown before deciding on the team selections.

“The only interaction I had with anyone affiliated with the WICB was when I sent a text to (team physio) C.J. Clark, to update him on my condition,” he shared.

“I informed him I was doing well, making progress, running, hitting the gym, and staying active. His only reply was that he would send a fitness program, which I did not receive until after the IPL offer came my way.”

He further explained: “I was eager to regain my footing as soon as possible. I wanted to play and represent the West Indies.

“My ultimate goal was to return, but without a contract and with teams being selected without my knowledge, I felt forced into making this choice because I had no insight into what lay ahead.

“Matches could proceed, and players might excel, leaving me sidelined, so I felt I had no alternative.”

Gayle noted that upon requesting the NOC from the WICB, numerous officials suddenly began reaching out to him.

“It seemed like all at once, everyone was motivated and trying to get in touch with me,” he said.

“Despite my desire to play for the West Indies, they gave me no alternative.

“After serving the West Indies for numerous years, I felt a great deal of disrespect, while playing under intense pressure.”

Pakistan is set to face West Indies in one Twenty20 match, five ODIs, and two Tests starting Thursday.

The WICB expressed that it was “most disappointed” in Gayle’s actions, stating that only a national squad for the T20 and the first two ODIs had been named so far.

“The WICB does not accept Gayle’s justification for his unavailability, but since he has evidently made his decision and traveled to India, we do not wish to obstruct him,” it conveyed in a press release.

“The WICB expresses significant disappointment regarding the way Gayle managed this entire matter, especially in light of the mature and cooperative attitudes displayed by two other players who rejected contracts – Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard.”An understanding was reached for selection, benefiting West Indies cricket.

“The WICB believed he was recovering from an injury, undergoing rehabilitation, and was close to resuming training.”

Aussies in the IPL

Chennai Super Kings
George Bailey, Doug Bollinger, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mike Hussey, Dan Christian, Chris Lynn, Cameron White, Darren Lehmann (coach)

Delhi Daredevils
Travis Birt, Aaron Finch, James Hopes, Andrew McDonald, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Greg Shipperd (coach)

Kings Punjab XI
Adam Gilchrist, Ryan Harris, David Hussey, Shaun Marsh, Nathan Rimmington, Michael Bevan (coach)

Kochi Tuskers Kerala
John Hastings, Brad Hodge, Michael Klinger, Steve O’Keefe, Steve Smith, Geoff Lawson (coach)

Kolkata Knight Riders
Brad Haddin, Brett Lee, James Pattinson, Dav Whatmore (coach)

Mumbai Indians
Aiden Blizzard, Moises Henriques, Andrew Symonds

Pune Warriors
Callum Ferguson, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine, Geoff Marsh (coach)

Rajasthan Royals
Shane Warne, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson

Royal Challengers Bangalore
Luke Pomersbach

Deccan Chargers

by Buford Balony

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