'Lower-ranked teams need to play more games' - Chris Gayle suggests changes in international calendar to safeguard future of cricket

Legendary West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle is worried about the future of international cricket as it’s being ruled by the top three countries. There have been widespread concerns about the top three nations namely India, Australia and England, who are dominating cricket and earning huge revenue as compared to the other nations.

The West Indies legend is skeptical about the growth of the game in smaller nations and if the situation continues to be the same, he feels that fans are going to get tired of seeing the same teams dominate the game over and over again.

“Yeah that is what I am talking about, that is where I am coming from. Pretty much these three teams are dominating international cricket. If we continue like this people are going to say ‘hey we need a new team now taking over, new talents taking over and make a name for themselves’,” Gayle was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

The 43-year-old further said that the pay gap between the nations should be looked into by the authorities and more games should be assigned to lower-ranked teams to help them develop their skills.

“It needs to be structured, so that everyone can benefit. The disadvantaged and lower-ranked teams need to play more games to develop their skills. Infrastructure needs to be created for them and those players need to be paid well just like the big teams because everyone is playing the same amount of cricket,” he added.

Gayle yet to announce his retirement 

Gayle was one of the most destructive openers in international cricket during his prime. He has represented West Indies in 103 Tests, 301 ODIs and 79 T20Is scoring over 19000 runs. He was a part of West Indies' victorious campaigns in the 2004 Champions Trophy, 2012 and 2016 T20 World Cups. The 43-year-old played his last game during the 2021 T20 World Cup and is yet to announce his retirement. 

Meanwhile, West Indies are struggling in the Cricket World Cup Qualifiers, having lost two out of their four group games against Netherlands and Zimbabwe. The Shai Hope-led side will need to play out of their skin to make a comeback in the Super Sixes stage.