‘Who’s Ian Chappell?’ - Chris Gayle gives a blunt opinion on Australian legend’s criticism

Chris Gayle, who is the best Twenty20 player in the world but has had his fair share of off-field controversies, has responded bluntly to former Australia skipper Ian Chappell’s criticism

Chris Gayle is known for his flamboyant personality both on and off the field. With the bat, he has shown he is the Universe Boss of Twenty20s. Off the field, his carefree personality has seen him being embroiled in controversies.

Chris Gayle has responded to Ian Chappell’s criticism that the star West Indies cricketer should be handed a worldwide contracting ban by Cricket Australia.(Kunal Patil/HT Photo)

One such controversy, revolving around Gayle’s highly-criticised interview with Channel 10 journalist Mel McLaughlin during a Big Bash League match in 2016 had promoted Australian great Ian Chappell calling for a worldwide ban for the West Indian.

Offering his opinion on Chappell’s viewpoint, Gayle, talking to Mumbai Mirror replied: “Who’s Ian Chappell?”

The West Indies batsman, who was playing for BBL side Melbourne Renegades at the time, had asked McLaughlin if she wanted to come out for a drink with him, before quickly commenting “don’t blush baby”.

“I wanted to come and have an interview with you as well, that’s the reason why I’m here. Just to see your eyes for the first time. It’s nice,” Gayle had said, shortly after being dismissed. “So hopefully we can win this game and we can have a drink after. Don’t blush, baby,” he added. The 39-year-old later apologised for his offence, saying it was a “simple joke”.

Alongside the string of strong criticism his comments drew, Chappell had asked Cricket Australia (CA) to propose a worldwide contracting ban on Gayle.

“I wouldn’t have a problem if Cricket Australia said to the clubs, ‘he’s never to be contracted again in this country’,” Chappell was quoted as saying by the Australian Associated Press. Gayle was also fined USD 10,000 by his side Melbourne Renegades. The big-hitter was picked up by Kings XI Punjab for a base price of Rs 2 crore and finished as Kings XI Punjab’s second highest scorer with 368 runs in 11 matches.

The side, captained by Ravichandran Ashwin, finished 7th in IPL 2018.