Gayle launches attack on critics via Instagram

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle has played his final match in the Big Bash League this season, and made a dramatic exit as he posted a furious Instagram post taking aim at his critics in the media.

Gayle came under heavy fire recently after his on-camera attempt at flirting with pitchside reporter Mel McLaughlin. She was visibly annoyed by it as she was trying to interview him, and his behaviour caused a heavy backlash.

But the Renegades batsman stuck to his guns, calling it a 'simple joke' at the time, and his Instagram backed that up. He further said that his 'haters' were welcome to say what they liked about him, and that he still loved Australia.

 

(My idol & the person who I look up to and also want to be like when growing up as a kid is in the picture)Thank you Renegades and the entire Australia for the love & support!! Ppl think I may have played my last innings in Aus but my memory with the fans will live on forever!! I build leagues around the world and Big Bash is one of them ??. 'Give the ppl what they want '. Thank You Kunal 'Gold Bat' Sharma, you're an absolutely legend!! Piers Morgan, Thank you for your support champion! Thank you to the entire Crown and Olsen staff for the hospitality ???????????? I had a blast, Thanks Ross!???? The real ppl who stand by Gayle worldwide through the so call BS against me in the media, Thank You! To the MEDIA, Thank You all so! The Haters, I Thank you even more ????. I think a lot of past and present cricketers who smile in front my face could've have there say In the public when my so call issue was going on, but y'all don't have the BALLs to stand firm when it matters – but yet when u see me you're like, Chris that's BS against you, it was blown out of proportion ?? smh…don't tell me, tell the media and public! The past cricketer who say I make myself look like a chop, the other who claim I was no good to the youngsters while playing for the thunder, the next one who said he expect that sort of behavior from Chris – Y'all can kiss my 'Black Rass' I love Australia and I will be back again even for the ?????? oi oi ??????. Don't forget to check out the song #WeHeroes ??????. #UniverseBoss

A photo posted by Chris Gayle (@chrisgayle333) on

Earlier, Gayle had said, via a video by his franchise, that he would love to return to the BBL next season, as he loved the fans and the kids who came to see him play, and that he could be himself. Gayle told the Renegades website: "Definitely – I have always got a soft spot for Australia. And the fans here have been very supportive. They have been really, really tremendous. "I am glad I got the chance to entertain them as much as possible as I can. There has never been a harsh comment – it has been very, very positive from the fans' point of view. "And the kids absolutely love it and I share a lot of moments with them, so it was very pleasing, that would be the most thing to look back to and give thanks to, the fans – really and truly for the support they have given me. "The respect was unbelievable. "Apart from India, Australia is the next place where Chris Gayle can really be that forefront, up-front person wherever you go."

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