'WICB playing mind games'

• Gayle questions timing of Board's request for apology

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC):

Talismanic opener Chris Gayle has accused the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) of 'mind games' and has promised to address their demand for an apology at the conclusion of the Regional Super50 Series.

Gayle, who is leading Jamaica in the ongoing tournament here, was told last week by the WICB he would have to withdraw controversial comments he made earlier this year, in order to be considered for selection to the regional side.

The outspoken Gayle was highly critical of the Board and head coach Ottis Gibson during an interview with a Jamaica radio station and has been overlooked for selection since.

"I received a message about the apology at a team meeting the day before we (Jamaica) had to play the Leewards Islands here (last Thursday) in the middle of a regional tournament," Gayle told reporters.

"I think they (WICB) are playing mind games with Chris Gayle. I have told them that I want to focus on winning this tournament for Jamaica and I will deal with the apology issue at the end of this competition."

Isolation threats

The WICB mandated last week that Gayle formally back away from his earlier criticisms of the Board or face isolation from the West Indies side.

In a statement, the Board said they hoped Gayle would "comply with the standards and requirements" they had set out as they believe he could still make a meaningful contribution to the regional side.

However, a fired up Gayle said the Board needed to make it clear what exactly he had said that required a retraction and contended it was unfair for anyone to question his commitment to West Indies cricket because of the impasse.

"They need to say exactly what Chris Gayle should apologise for ... what in the interview?" Gayle said.

A very sad affair

"I don't think the Board wants to solve this issue. This needs to be closed as soon as possible and they need to be clear on what I should apologise for. This whole thing is sad and I am getting fed up with my name being all around, questioning my commitment to West Indies cricket.

"Over the years, I have shed blood, sweat and tears for West Indies cricket and it's sad that some would question my commitment to West Indies cricket. I stand for what I believe in ... that's the type of person I am ... playing again for the West Indies is in their (WICB) hands."

Gayle has said before, he would not apologise and would stand by his comments.

The 32-year-old left-hander is one of the leading batsmen in world cricket, with two triple centuries among the 13 centuries he has scored in 91 Tests where he averages 41.65.

He is a devastating batsman in the shorter versions of the game, with 8087 runs from 228 one-day internationals at an average of 39 and 19 centuries.

Gayle is also one of the leading batsmen on the international Twenty20 scene and was Man-of-the-Series in the cash-rich Indian Premier League earlier this year.