In the previous edition of the Big Bash League Down Under, a massive controversy erupted when West Indian star opener Chris Gayle gave a provocative interview on the sidelines of a game. In that interview, conducted by Channel Ten presenter Mel McLaughlin, Gayle went overboard with his remark of “Don’t blush baby”, which definitely caused a lot of issues for the Jamaican.
Post that game, Gayle offered his apology, but members of BBL weren’t too pleased with the remarks of Gayle. However, things seemed to have settled down now, as the matter surrounding Chris Gayle has been taken care off. David Saker, head coach of Gayle’s side, Melbourne Renegades said that the Jamaican would be welcomed for the upcoming edition of the BBL.
“I just pick a squad of players. If the hierarchies or people in higher positions than myself come down on that, they do,” Saker said. “We know it was the wrong thing to do and he probably identified that quite quickly. We all did. But I think what happened afterwards was a bit of a beat-up. “There’s still a chance of recruiting Gayle.”
Saker added that his side was also looking out for an overseas fast bowler. “To be fair we probably need an overseas bowler, though,” Saker said. “We’re looking at whether to go down that track or to recruit a bowler from inside Australia “So we’re going through whether we need to re-sign Chris Gayle.”
Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland too spoke on the matter and said, “No matter what anyone at Cricket Australia thought of the incident at management level, board level, I think you’re on a slippery slope if you start making judgments on players who could or shouldn’t be playing in the Big Bash League or in our domestic competitions.”
“Because, when does that ever end? My view is unless there’s a very, very strong reason along the lines of anti-corruption, then it’s difficult for us to be making those judgements. “I’m not saying that it wouldn’t happen but my judgement is that it’s not appropriate it’s about the teams themselves to make the calls,” Sutherland concluded.