Melbourne Stars not interested in signing Chris Gayle
WEST Indies master blaster Chris Gayle wants another crack at the Big Bash League but the Melbourne Stars have ruled him out despite being on the hunt for two new international players.
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MELBOURNE Stars are set to pass on signing West Indies master blaster Chris Gayle because of his infamous sideline interview with Mel McLaughlin two summers ago.
Chief executive Clint Cooper said said the Stars had “moved on” from chasing the world’s biggest names as they hunt two new international players for next season.
President Eddie McGuire conceded the Stars persisted with the same list for a season too many as they sit bottom of the Big Bash ladder.
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The Stars signed Shane Warne, Lasith Malinga, Michael Clarke and Kevin Pietersen in the early years yet have not won a championship.
Gayle, 38, has not played in Australia since his season at Melbourne Renegades two summers ago.
Close friend Dwayne Bravo told the Herald Sun this month Gayle wanted another crack at the Big Bash.
McGuire sat with Gayle at this month’s MCG Melbourne derby but said Gayle would “more than likely” be ruled out.
“If Chris Gayle was available, he’d be the first person you’d probably want to go to,” McGuire said.
“Particularly given the name of the team is the Stars. But I think the other element probably precludes (him).
“We haven’t spoken to him and I don’t think anyone has, to be perfectly honest, because of the situation last year with Mel McLaughlin.”
With two Stars matches remaining this season, McGuire broke his silence on his breakfast radio program, saying: “We’ve had a shocking year.”
The Stars will have a new-look top order next season after the delisting of opener Luke Wright and retirement of No.3 Pietersen.
Contracts for another four players are set to expire after this season.
Cooper said there would be “substantial change” to the list but ruled out chasing marquee names for the sake of it.
“The game is a lot more tactical than that,” Cooper said on RSN927.
“If you’re going to go and just get the next big star that’s out there that doesn’t suit the game style or the way the team actually needs to play, or wants to play, you’re shooting yourself in the foot.
“We won’t be doing that.”
Low-profile Afghanis Mohammad Nabi (Renegades) and Rashid Khan (Adelaide Strikers) have been among the most damaging imports this season.
Originally published as Melbourne Stars not interested in signing Chris Gayle
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