RECENTLY, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) sent out a media release calling on embattled opener Christopher Gayle to issue an apology for statements made on KLAS Radio in Jamaica last April, saying that he would not be considered for selection if same is not done. As he has done over the past two months, the 32-year-old Gayle, who blazed his way to a pugnacious ton in Jamaica’s commanding second-round victory over Combined Campuses and Colleges yesterday, asked the question “What should I apologise for?”
“The WICB has been calling on me to retract my statements or apologise for statements made on KLAS Radio, but up to now they have not said what they want me to retract or apologise for.
“It feels good to be back in the West Indies playing cricket. I have been named captain of the Jamaica team and like I said before, I have not been around for quite some time, but I welcome the opportunity to lead Jamaica and play some cricket here in the West Indies,” said Gayle.
He added, “I am in the middle of a tournament and I have written the WICB and told them I will be speaking with them after this tournament, as I am focusing on seeing Jamaica win the title and once I get past this stage, then I can focus on the matters at hand.”
Gayle has penned contracts which would see him competing in Australia’s 2012 Big Bash while at the same time he would be missing the 2012 WICB Caribbean T20 competition, which is a criterion for selection on the Regional team to contest the ICC T20 World Cup next year.
The Jamaican left-handed opener said he is not in favour with such a requirement, since double standards is being employed by the WICB as some players who have not played tournaments prior to a specific tour, would be selected.
“I really would like to play for the West Indies, but that’s not a decision for me to make, but those in authority. I have done so in the past, putting in yeoman services with tears, blood and even through injuries and I don’t think anyone can question my commitment to West Indies cricket.”
Gayle will be leading the Jamaicans in their Super50 semi-final encounter against the Sagicor High Performance Centre tomorrow at the Guyana National Stadium, with the winner facing the victor of today’s first semifinal between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago at the same venue on Saturday.