Gayle still unlikely for Big Bash League

MELBOURNE: Chris Gayle remains unlikely to reappear in the Big Bash League next summer despite an apparent climbdown from the Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive James Sutherland when discussing the board’s capacity to bar the West Indian opener from returning.

Sutherland had been an outspoken voice decrying Gayle’s behaviour following his inappropriate on-air exchange with the former Channel Ten broadcaster Mel McLaughlin when playing for the Melbourne Renegades last summer. The head of the BBL Anthony Everard had also stated that CA reserves the right to veto the overseas recruits of their clubs.

However, Sutherland retreated from taking a position against Gayle’s possible return when asked about it this week. “I think you’re on a slippery slope if you start making judgements on players who could or shouldn’t be playing in the Big Bash League or in our domestic competitions,” Sutherland told the Daily Telegraph, “Because, when does that ever end? My view is unless there’s a very, very strong reason along the lines of anti-corruption, then it’s difficult for us to be making those judgements. I’m not saying that it wouldn’t happen, but my judgement is that it’s not appropriate, it’s about the teams themselves to make the calls.”