More doubts have surfaced that could prevent Jamaican opening batsman Chris Gayle from representing the West Indies on their tour of England.
The year-long impasse between Gayle and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) seemed to be over when they signed an agreement in March that would pave the way for Gayle to be considered for selection to the regional team.
But reports have surfaced suggesting that some uncertainty over his participation on that tour has arisen, as Gayle reportedly wrote to the WICB seeking clarification on whether he would be selected for the limited overs series in England.
Before the resolution, Gayle had committed to playing the Friends Life T20 competition in England with Somerset. Gayle will also miss the Test series due to commitment with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore until May 27.
As reported by the Barbados Nation, Gayle has asked the WICB to confirm whether he will be selected for the tour, which will determine whether or not he can fulfill his commitments to Somerset.
West Indies Players Association (WIPA) in a press release said there are elements in the WICB who do not want Gayle to return to the regional team.
WIPA was also “disturbed and disappointed at this transparent and continuous attempt to tarnish Mr. Gayle’s good name and public image.”
The release stated that the “true extent” of the discussions between Gayle and the Board had not been made public.
