Chris Gayle not yet retired, eyes Jamaica swansong
West Indies veteran Chris Gayle maintained he has not yet retired from the game even though the defending champions have been knocked out of the T20 World Cup.
The Caribbean side were already out of contention prior to Saturday’s eight-wicket defeat to Australia, where Gayle made a nine-ball 15.
However, the powerful left-hander is adamant he has not retired like Dwayne Bravo, who confirmed he will no longer be available for selection prior to Saturday’s match.
“Well, I was just trying to enjoy the last World Cup. It’s a very disappointing World Cup for me, for me personally as well,” the 42-year-old told the media after the match.
“It’s probably my worst World Cup. But these things do happen. But you know, it’s sad that it came at the backend of my career.
“But like I said, we still have a lot of great talent coming up in West Indies cricket.
“I know we have a legend leaving the game, DJ Bravo. But I was just having some fun, interacting with the crowd, it was going to be the last World Cup game.”
‘I didn’t announce any retirement’
The big-hitting opener has a remarkable record in cricket’s shortest format, with 14,321 runs in 453 T20 games, at an average of 36.44.
Having made his T20 international debut in 2006, he currently has 1,899 runs and two centuries in international T20s, while featuring for the side in 103 Tests and 301 ODIs.
Whilst conceding his days playing at World Cups are over, he is hopeful of getting one last chance to bat in front of his home fans in Jamaica.
“I didn’t announce any retirement but [if] they actually give me one game in Jamaica to go in front of my home crowd, then I can say ‘hey guys, thank you so much,” he continued.
“Well, I would love to play one more World Cup. But I don’t think they will allow me, and I’ve been through a lot of struggles. But I’ve had a phenomenal career.
“I want to give thanks to actually be standing here today, aged 42 still going strong. I’ve shed blood, I’ve shed tears in West Indies cricket, you name it, one leg, one hand.”
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