Gayle: I meant every word

CHRIS Gayle has stated that his comments concerning his departure from the Jamaica Tallawahs may damage the image of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), but did not apologise saying he spoke from the heart.

At the end of April, Gayle went on a rant releasing three videos on Youtube titled Breakdown of Release from Jamaica Tallawahs. Gayle gave reasons why he thought he was released by the Tallawahs, which included blaming assistant coach and former West Indies teammate Ramnaresh Sarwan.

Gayle said Sarwan asked him if he had the ability to coach the Tallawahs. Gayle told him he was better off being an assistant.

According to Gayle, Sarwan, the ex-Guyana and WI batsman, was upset that he did not get the head coaching job at the Tallawahs and was responsible for him (Gayle) not being retained by Tallawahs.

Sarwan denied having any involvement in Gayle leaving the Jamaica franchise.

Gayle’s statement that was made public on Friday on the CPL website. “I made these videos with one single intention – to explain to the fans in Jamaica the reasons behind what has now become my second departure from the Tallawahs franchise," said Gayle. "It was my greatest wish to finish my CPL career in Jamaica – playing in front of my home crowd at Sabina Park with the franchise that I had previously led to two CPL titles. In so far as my resentment at the treatment, I stand by my comments in those videos. My words were spoken from the heart.”

The Jamaican and West Indies cricketer said he knows his comments may damage the league’s image.

“Having said that, I must be honest and say that I now realise how portions of my comments may be viewed as being damaging to Cricket West Indies, and to the CPL Tournament and its brand – a tournament which I have sincerely enjoyed not just being a part of, but also helping to build and promote. It was never my intention to damage the T20 tournament, as playing in the CPL has guaranteed an opportunity for the past seven years to play in front of the great fans of the Caribbean.”

Gayle said he is looking forward to playing with the St Lucia Zouks.

Chairman of the CPL Tournament Committee (CTC) PJ Patterson said, “This (Gayle statement) was received by the CTC and shared with the CPL and CWI (Cricket West Indies) to the satisfaction of all parties. Given the assurance of Mr Gayle to act in good faith, it therefore is no longer necessary to empanel a Tribunal. The CTC, the CPL and CWI therefore consider the matter closed.”