Kingston, April 21: Explosive West Indies opener Chris Gayle has hit back at his board saying he was forced to skip the home series against Pakistan and play in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
“I was actually forced to make this decision based on what was happening around me and based on what has happened to current players (Ramnaresh) Sarwan and (Shivnaraine) Chanderpaul,” Gayle said.
Sarwan and Chanderpaul were dropped from the Twenty20 squad and first two ODIs against Pakistan. Gayle was also not selected as he was nursing an abdominal injury, but the opener said nobody spoke to him and he thought he was also left out.
The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) had said Gayle would have been considered for selection after assessment of his fitness. Gayle, however, made himself unavailable for the Pakistan series and decided to play for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL.
“I wanted to play and I wanted to represent West Indies. I didn’t know what the future held. Two games can play, guys do well, Chris Gayle still will be sitting out,” the left-handed batsman said on KLAS Sports Radio in Jamaica Wednesday.
Gayle also refuted claims of WICB that they were helping the player with his recovery.
“I took it upon myself to commence a rehabilitation programme with my personal trainer,” said Gayle.
“A group of players were selected for a training camp in Barbados, and I never got a call, nobody spoke to me, and I decided to leave it alone.”
The 31-year-old Gayle, who played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the first three seasons of IPL, went unsold this year but was signed by RCB to replace the injured Australian fast bowler Dirk Nannes.
The WICB issued him the No Objection Certificate (NOC), but added that they were “disappointed” with him.
Gayle also claimed he was threatened by the board before the World Cup when asked whether the tournament contract was approved by the Players’ Association.
“I got a reply, copied to the three selectors and the coach and the lawyer and the CEO himself stating, Chris, we have someone on standby for you so if you don’t sign this contract right now, basically you will be replaced for the World Cup,” Gayle said.
“That hurt me so much to believe that they are talking to a person who just captained West Indies and they are actually dealing with me like that. That was unfair.”
Gayle, however, said he will continue to play for the West Indies.
“I’m still the hardest fighting cricketer for West Indies. I go on West Indies field with broken finger and bat on one leg. You know who’s the most hardcore cricketer for West Indies. Chris Gayle. Ask anyone that.”
—–IANs