Cricket Australia to let Chris Gayle continue in Big Bash

Chris Gayle has the knack of being in the news for all reasons. Last year he made the headlines for trying to flirt with the Australian lady reporter Mel McLaughlin and inviting her for a drink. He later remarked her with his comment ‘Don’t blush baby’ which caused a bit of embarrassment for the lady reporter.

Cricket Australia has now said in a statement that they are fine with the participation of the big Jamaican in the Big Bash this year despite the remarks he made last season. Gayle’s tenure with the Melbourne Renegades was tainted due to this one incidence last year in the BBL. He was heavily fined with $10,000 for his comments which were deemed to be ‘inappropriate’ by the Cricket Australia.

The Chief Executive of Cricket Australia, James Sutherland, said that the CA never aims at excluding players from playing in the BBL.

“No matter what anyone at Cricket Australia thought at management level, board level, I think you are on a slippery slope if you start making judgments on players who could or shouldn’t be playing in the Big Bash League or in our domestic competitions,” quoted Sutherland.

He further added that excluding players from the league would happen only if there is a strong breach of the anti-corruption code. “Because, when does that ever end? My view is unless there is a very, very strong reason along the lines of anti-corruption, then it’s difficult for us to be making those judgments,” the Chief Executive commented further.

Sutherland also remarked that these decisions are often in the hands of the team management at the end of the day to decide and they take the final call.

“I am not saying that it wouldn’t happen but my judgment is that it’s not appropriate. It’s about the teams to make the called,” he added.

Also read – Watch: Mel McLaughlin excuses Chris Gayle