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While he may have played his last T20 World Cup, West Indies batter Chris Gayle said that he hasn't yet retired from international cricket. While he appeared to have joined Dwayne Bravo in calling an end to his international cricket career, the Universe Boss reiterated that he has still not made any official announcement and would want to play his last match in front of his home crowd in Jamaica.
He made these revelations during a Facebook Live Chat with the International Cricket Council (ICC) after West Indies' final match of the T20 World Cup against Australia.
It's going to be my last World Cup game: Gayle
"It's been a phenomenal career," Gayle said. "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,'" he added.
"Let's see. If not, I'll announce it. Long time and then I'll be joining DJ Bravo in the backend and say thanks to each and everyone but I can't say that as yet. I’m semi-retired. I’m one away. I was just having some fun today. Put everything that happened aside. I was just interacting with the fans in the stands and just having some fun seeing as it's going to be my last World Cup game," he further said.
The career has been really great: Gayle
The left-handed batter also reflected on his international career spanning over two decades and said that he has been passionate about representing the West Indies at the world level. He admitted that he has had a few hiccups but seemed proud of the fact that he continued to compete at 42.
"I want to give thanks to actually be standing here today, aged 42 still going strong," he said. "The career has been really great. I've had a bit of hiccups here and there. I've shed blood, I've shed tears in West Indies cricket, you name it, one leg, one hand, I'm still batting for West Indies," Gayle said.
He even disclosed that while he may appear to be a fun-loving and jovial character but since he was denied any luxury during his growing up years, he used that as a motivation to do well.
"I didn't have the luxury when I was growing up so I used those things to motivate me as well. Start my career, 'Mum I'll get you a house', when I make the first money, I'll buy a car. Those are the things that keep you going," he said.