The absence of some high-profile names took a colossal toll on the functioning of the West Indies as an outfit, and that was evident when the team failed to qualify for the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. Now, however, it does seem that the exile of some star players, such as Kieron Pollard, Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo could end soon, with the cricketers’ association and Cricket West Indies (CWI) meeting a truce.
Recently, during the one-off T20I against India at Jamaica, the ever-flamboyant Chris Gayle had mentioned that the relations between CWI and the players’ association were improving and the exile could end rather soon. If indeed the exile does end soon, West Indies’ chances of qualifying for the next World Cup could soar massively.
“The fans were happy to see me back on the field representing West Indies. Hopefully, things can get better. Hopefully, I can play a few more games. I definitely want to play the 2019 World Cup,” Gayle said. “Things are beginning to open up a little more now between players and the board. It’s looking good, and we’ve to try and build from this to get the best players out on the field.”
The return of some high profile names means that heading into the 2019 World Cup, the Windies will have a tried and tested side, full of veterans. The likes of the two Bravos, along with Kieron Pollard and Chris Gayle would add tremendous metal in that West Indies line-up.
“That’s what is actually in discussion. It’s for them to make the announcement, and make it formal so that we know what is what,” Gayle said about the plans to end the exile before the tour of England. “We’ll wait and see what happens.”
“I can’t get into specific details, just from the little I’ve experienced since coming back, it’s been good. There’s still more discussion to be done. It’s positive. That’s the good thing about it. We’ve to just look to carry on from here. Once we are guided with the rules, if it is going to change fully, we’ll know how to take things further.”