WIPA backs Gayle ... Says former captain was 'forced' to respond to WICB claims

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

The West Indies Players Association (WIPA) has come out in support of the views expressed by Chris Gayle in a recent KLAS FM radio interview, in which he openly criticised the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for its treatment of him, prior to his recent decision to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

According to WIPA, who called an emergency press briefing on Thursday at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston, Gayle was forced to express himself in such a manner because recent WICB pronouncements were damaging to his reputation, as it questioned his commitment to West Indies cricket.

"What Gayle (did) was not something that happened overnight. It has been years that members of the WICB have been pressuring him and other players as to their commitment to West Indies when all they want to do is to represent their country, while at the same time trying to make a living," said WIPA president Dinanath Ramnarine, who along with executive members Michael Hall and Wavell Hinds, attended the press conference.

"It is sad that it had to come down to this, but Chris thought that he had an obligation to clear the air, lest people start believing that he is more interested in playing in the IPL and that he is not committed to West Indies cricket," he added.

No-holds barred

In a no-holds barred radio interview, which took place on KLAS FM and lasted close to an hour, Gayle explained that since the World Cup in India, there had been no communication with him regarding the WICB's plans relating to his immediate cricketing future.

"I wanted to represent the West Indies, that was my ultimate goal. (But) I don't have a contract and based on what was happening, I was forced to make that decision to come to India to play in the IPL," said Gayle, who during the interview labelled himself as a WICB "target".

He continued: "A T20 squad was named, an ODI squad was named, and I wasn't told what was happening ... I didn't have any other choice but to take the opportunity ."

He added: "No one had the decency to actually call me. If they (WICB) had my interest at heart, they would call me to the camp, assess me and make their decision there; don't come put it in the paper and tell me there that I am not selected without communicating with me, and considering how I am feeling," he added.

However, Gayle's views were in stark contrast to a WICB press release, which was issued to the media hours before the interview.

In the release, the WICB stated that it was 'surprised' by Gayle's IPL decision, as they were of the opinion that Gayle was injured and was not ready, and that is why he was not considered for the opening Twenty20 international (on Thursday) and the first two of the five-match one-day international series against touring Pakistan.

"The WICB does not accept Gayle's reason for making himself unavailable, but as he has already clearly made his choice and has travelled to India, the WICB does not wish to stand in his way," the release stated.

"The WICB is most disappointed in the manner in which Gayle has handled the entire situation... especially given the mature and cooperative manner in which two other players who refused contracts (central retainer) - Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard - made themselves available for selection, and agreed to an understanding in the best interest of West Indies cricket."