Explosive West Indian opener Chris Gayle bid an emotional farewell to his MSL team Jozi Stars, who are yet to win a single game in the ongoing edition. The 40-year old blamed the franchise for finger-pointing after a dismal campaign for the defending champions, and said, “As soon as I don’t perform for two or three games, then Chris Gayle is the burden for the team.”
“I am not talking for this team only. This is something I have analysed over the years playing franchise cricket. Chris Gayle is always a burden if I don’t score runs, two, three, four times. It seems like that one particular individual is the burden for the team. And then you will hear bickering. I am not going to get respect. People don’t remember what you have done for them. I don’t get respect.
“And I am not talking about this franchise. I am talking generally. Even from players as well, I am talking. Players, management, head of management, board members. Chris Gayle never get no respect. Once Chris Gayle fails, it’s the end of his career, he is no good, he is the worst player and all these other things. I’ve generally overcome these things and I expect these things and I have lived with these things.”
Both Gayle and the Stars have had a torrid time this season, with the side losing all their six games thus far. They have four games remaining in 2019. Gayle managed only 47 runs in his first five games but scored an unbeaten 54 in 28 balls in his final MSL appearance against the Tshwane Spartans. The left-hander played the game despite having high fever as he wanted to end on a high. The Stars were on course for a maiden win this season against the Spartans at 122 for 3 in the 14th over chasing 156, but collapsed to 135 all out, losing their last 7 wickets for 13 runs in 29 balls.
“It was bad, bad to watch,” Gayle said. “Everyone will be hurt from such a thing. I am hurt from a personal point of view. I really wanted to win.”