By Avenash Ramzan
Details surrounding a West Indies/Ireland limited-over series in early 2022 are currently being discussed, and should those plans come to fruition, the self-proclaimed ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle could get that farewell game at home he seems inclined to have.
At the conclusion of the World T20 in October-November this year, Gayle mentioned in an interview with Alex Jordan, “I didn’t announce any retirement, but [if] they actually give me one game in Jamaica to go in front of my home crowd, then I can say ‘hey guys, thank you so much.’
From a Cricket West Indies (CWI) standpoint it appears the Jamaican’s request could be granted, as the regional governing body is currently in discussion with the government of that island on the possibility of a match in the series being hosted there.
According to CWI Chief Executive Officer, Johnny Grave, the series is expected to feature three One-Day Internationals and a solitary T20 International in late January.
It is the hope the T20 game would be played at Sabina Park, Jamaica.
“That would- hopefully if fans are allowed in Sabina- be a good opportunity for us to say farewell to Chris on his home ground,” Grave said on the Barbados radio programme Mason and Guest this week.
“We’re still talking to the government of Jamaica around the protocols and the ability to play the series. But I hope in the next few days we can confirm that series, one, taking place, and two, being held in Jamaica.”
“Collectively, we all feel that it’s appropriate for him to have one last game at home to say farewell. Certainly that Ireland series would represent that opportunity.”
Gayle had come under fire before, during and after the World T20 for his woeful form in T20 Internationals, to the point that his presence in the squad was heavily scrutinised.
The World T20, believed to be- at least up to this point- his last global event, was not the swansong the big-hitting left-hander had anticipated.
He finished the tournament- a horrible one for defending champions West Indies, winning just one of five games- with 45 runs in five innings.
