Chris Gayle issues statement over controversial comments against Ramnaresh Sarwan
Chris Gayle has defended his controversial comments against Ramnaresh Sarwan. He had called his former West Indies teammate as 'worse than coronavirus'
FollowBengaluru: West Indies batting superstar Chris Gayle has issued a statement and said he will “stand by his comments” made against former teammate Ramnaresh Sarwan.
On his YouTube channel, Gayle had hit out at Sarwan, calling him “worse than coronavirus”. He had blamed Sarwan for him being released from Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 franchise Jamaica Tallawahs.
Also read: Gayle calls Sarwan 'worse than coronavirus'
Now, the 40-year-old Gayle said, “In so far as my resentment at the treatment, I stand by my comments in those videos. My words were spoken from the heart.”
Following Gayle's statement, CPL closed the matter and no action was taken against the left-handed opening batsman.
Also read: When Gayle blasted 175 in IPL
Here is Chris Gayle’s full statement.
“Recently, I posted three videos on my personal YouTube channel, where I addressed the reasons for my departure from the Jamaica Tallawahs franchise ahead of the 2020 CPL tournament.
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. 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.
Having said that, I must be honest and say that I now realize 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 7 years to play in front of the great fans of the Caribbean. This is a privilege which I genuinely appreciate and have never taken for granted.
Right now, my eyes are fixed firmly on the season ahead, and the new challenge which playing for the St. Lucia Zouks franchise will bring. I hope to see you there.”
