GayleOPENING BATSMAN Chris Gayle, who was overlooked by the West Indies selectors for the first Test match against Australia which starts tomorrow in Guyana, has submitted his report to the WICB for his non-participation in Carib Beer International Challenge final.
Gayle, who partnered sacked West Indies captain Carl Hooper in the recent World Double-Wicket competition in St. Lucia, withdrew from Jamaica's team for the final against Barbados last week.
It was reported last week that, although contractually obliged to fulfil his obligations to the lucrative double-wicket event, Gayle was apparently told he could forego those obligations if Jamaica reached the Carib Beer International final. Yet he chose the more lucrative option.
The Jamaica opener stated in an open letter to the people of the Caribbean and in particular the people of his country why he decided to play in the World Cup Double-Wicket Championships, which carried prizemoney of US$175,000.
"I would like to state strongly - that I have always been very proud and extremely honoured to represent Jamaica and the West Indies on the cricket field," Gayle said.
"It is something I have NEVER taken and will NEVER take for granted. In my opinion it is the highest possible honour that anyone in the Caribbean could ever have," the letter read.
OBTAIN PERMISSION
"I went to the Double-Wicket Competition with the full belief that I was within the 'law' of the WICB and had obtained the necessary permission from the relevant persons in authority and had the blessing of my teammates.
"When I agreed to participate in the Double-Wicket Tournament I did so as a West Indies cricket player to play on a team representing the West Indies," the 23-year-old Gayle said.
Under WICB eligibility rules,
