Chris Gayle’s Big Bash League future in doubt

HE’S been slammed, fined and ridiculed, but the bad news keeps on coming for Chris Gayle as the fallout from his inappropriate interview grows.

Gayle faces one final punishment

CHRIS Gayle’s days of playing in the Big Bash League appear to be numbered.

While he has been condemned for his inappropriate post-match interview with Channel 10 reporter Mel McLaughlin, he is facing increasing pressure about allegations he exposed himself to a woman in a changing room last year, claims the cricketer strenuously denies.

The West Indian could still keep his contract with Melbourne Renegades but reports suggest he is unlikely to be allowed to return to the BBL next season.

Cricket Australia has to sign off all international players who want to compete in the tournament, and may deny him the right to return, The Daily Telegraph reports.

Officials from the BBL have spoken to Gayle about Monday evening’s interview with McLaughlin, for which he was fined $10,000 and stripped of his Channel 10 microphone, but privately have conceded he won’t return next year. Fairfax Media is reporting the sporting body is concerned about reputational damage and will act on any new complaint or controversy — even if it is from before the McLaughlin incident.

Melbourne Renegades batsman Chris Gayle ... His days of playing in the BBL could soon be over.

The 36-year-old has firmly denied the allegations and a statement from his management said he was considering legal action.

“Chris denies the allegations published by Fairfax Media earlier today. It’s important that anyone seeking to make false accusations against Chris be aware that Chris and his management will be considering all rights and legal options available.”

He drew widespread outrage after his comments to McLaughlin.

As she tried to interview him after the match in Hobart, he complimented McLaughlin’s eyes, propositioned her for a post-match drink and then told her: “Don’t blush, baby.”

In his only public comments on the incident, he offered a weak apology for the reporter getting upset but said “these things happen”.

“A lot of things have occurred from a simple comment, a joke, a simple joke. It seems it went out of proportion,” Gayle said.

Later, Gayle posted a photo of himself with West Indies teammate Dwayne Bravo on Instagram, poking fun at the $10,000 fine he’d copped from his Big Bash franchise, the Renegades.

Pockets are empty so (Dwayne’s) paying the dinner bill tonight ... let’s roll DJ,” Gayle wrote in the photo’s caption.

The image shows Gayle wearing a T-shirt with a Playboy bunny logo and the word “$EXSELLS” emblazoned across it.

In a separate controversy, Gayle’s boss at the Renegades, Stuart Coventry, angered Cricket Victoria when he appeared to downplay Gayle’s actions, reported The Australian. The chief executive said the ­allegations from the woman about the player exposing himself as ­“opportunistic”.

“Cricket Victoria is committed to demonstrating that our sport respects girls and women and we’re working incredibly hard to ensure that is the case,” chief executive Tony Dodemaide said.

An inquiry has been launched into the incident.

Originally published as Chris Gayle’s Big Bash League future in doubt