Chris Gayle confirms he’s not retiring, speaks about farewell game

While West Indies’ rubber against Australia in the T20 World Cup 2021 was Dwayne Bravo’s last international game in international cricket, speculations rife that it’s also Chris Gayle’s last appearance in maroon. After getting out on 15, the 42-year-old received a guard of honour from his teammates while returning to the dressing room. He also waved his bat all over the stadium, acknowledging the crowd.

Gayle’s exit from the field took the cricket world by storm as it was believed that the dasher has decided to bring curtains to his glorious career. Subsequently, tributes started pouring in from different corners. However, Gayle, after the match, revealed that it wasn’t his last international game. The southpaw also said West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) would be giving him a farewell game in his home ground in Jamaica.

I have one more game in Jamaica: Chris Gayle

“I was just having some fun over there. I want to play one more World Cup. However, I don’t think they’ll allow me,” Gayle said laughingly in a video posted by the International Cricket Council (ICC). “I didn’t announce my retirement but they (West Indies Cricket Board) gave me one more game in Jamaica in front of my home crowd. Then, I can say, “Hey guys, thank you so much for your support”,” he added.

Meanwhile, West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard said it was the end of an era as the likes of Dwayne Bravo and Chris Gayle won’t be participating in the next World Cups. For me, it’s the end of a generation/era where you have some guys who have done some good things for T20 cricket, not only in the Caribbean but around the world,” Pollard said after the match.

“Sometimes one tournament you don’t want to sum up the entire thing when it comes to that but rationally these guys have done pretty well for themselves and we as people are very, very proud,” he added. The Caribbean skipper also thanked his fans while apologizing to them.

“Thanks to everyone who have supported us. Thanks to the Caribbean fans, yes we disappointed you as a team, sorry. But life goes on. Thank you very much,” the 34-year-old asserted.