Bridgetown (Barbados), July 3 (IANS) The impasse between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and Chris Gayle continues with the board making it clear that he cannot expect to be automatically reinstated in the team on his ‘inflexible take-it-or-leave it’ terms.
In a strongly-worded statement, WICB said Saturday it is disappointed by the ‘continued unprofessionalism’ shown by Gayle and that he has been ‘antagonistic and unrepentant’ over the entire issue.
Gayle is at loggerheads with the board over his exclusion from the early part of series against Pakistan and his subsequent criticism of the board. He has since been left out of the squad for the ongoing series against India.
WICB and Gayle met to sort out things, but the matter has not been resolved.
Gayle came out with a statement Friday saying he will explore the opportunities available to him elsewhere since he can no longer wait on the WICB to resolve their differences.
‘From his latest statement and his expressed views in the meetings with the WICB it would appear as though he is of the unshakeable view that he has conducted himself impeccably. The WICB insists that his conduct cannot simply be swept under the carpet as is the apparent desire of Mr. Gayle,’ WICB said reacting to Gayle’s statement.
‘His position is that he has nothing to account for and expects to be automatically re-instated to the West Indies team whenever he decides that he is available.’
‘As previously communicated to Mr. Gayle, the WICB wishes to ensure that his services remain available to West Indies cricket, but not at any cost and not on his inflexible take-it-or-leave it terms,’ WICB said.
The WICB said it has made every effort to resolve the issues with Gayle in an amicable manner by proposing meetings with him and his representatives.
‘The WICB is disappointed by the continued unprofessionalism being displayed by Mr. Gayle in dealing with this matter.’
‘It does not help that whilst matters are under discussion, Mr. Gayle, rather than expressing his views directly to the Board through one of the numerous channels open to him, chooses instead to make public his version of events and to create further antagonism.’
The WICB added there is a history of difficulty in communicating with and relating to Gayle and wishes to bring this matter to a resolution.’
‘The WICB reiterates its stated position, that there is a history it has written to Mr. Gayle making it clear that it is willing to seek a compromise resolution.
‘Even though at a follow up meeting between Mr. Gayle and the team management, the Head Coach (Ottis Gibson) indicated what was required to assist in his return to the West Indies team, Gayle has refused and has demonstrated no inclination to compromise; instead he has been antagonistic and unrepentant in the entire process.
WICB said it will continue its efforts to meet Gayle and resolve all outstanding issues.
