Since the West Indies landed in India with an inexperienced side for the Test series, there were hopes that the team’s batting order would be bolstered by Chris Gayle's arrival for the limited-overs series.
But sources privy to the development have told Sportstar that Gayle ‘has declined selection’ for the ODI series against India and will be featuring for the Balkh Legends in the Afghanistan Premier League (APL).
The West Indies board has issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Gayle from October 7-21 for the APL. West Indies’ ODI series against India begins in Guwahati on October 21 and the fifth and final match will be played in Thiruvananthapuram on November 1.
The three-match T20 series will begin in Kolkata from November 4. However, it is still not clear whether Gayle will make himself available for the T20 series. West Indies is yet to name the squad for the ODI series and is expected to make an announcement in the next few days.
According to the sources, the board has said that Gayle’s selection for the 2019 World Cup is ‘not guaranteed and neither it is automatic.’ The board has also acknowledged the fact that Gayle has indicated his availability for selection for the England-West Indies series next year and for the World Cup.
Gayle, however, took to Twitter to announce that he will be in Sharjah for the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League. “I am coming to Sharjah to light up the Afghanistan Premier League. Come and join me and support my team #Balkh. All the best to @aplt20official for the newest T20 league in Cricket!” Gayle tweeted.
Comments
SHARE