Cricket
12:07, 19-Feb-2019
'Six machine' Chris Gayle to hang his bat after 2019 ICC World Cup
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Prolific West Indies opening batsman Chris Gayle has announced that he will retire from one-day internationals (ODI) after this year's ICC World Cup. The Cricket West Indies, the governing body of cricket in the Caribbean, confirmed the news.
The 39-year big-hitting left-hander, who made his debut against India in 1999, has hit 23 centuries and amassed 9,727 runs in the 50-over format. The explosive batsman, known for his swashbuckling batting style, is currently second only to Brian Lara among all the West Indies cricketers.
Chris Gayle poses for a photograph before West Indies' first one-day international (ODI) match against England at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, February 18, 2019. /VCG Photo
Chris Gayle poses for a photograph before West Indies' first one-day international (ODI) match against England at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, February 18, 2019. /VCG Photo
While speaking to media on his retirement, Gayle said: "I'm looking to draw the line – or should I say cut the string – let the youngsters have some fun and I can sit back in the party stand."
"It is a big year for me. I hope 2019 can finish for me on a great note," he added.
This year's World Cup is getting underway in England and Wales on May 30 and the final is scheduled for July 14.
Chris Gayle of the West Indies celebrates victory after winning the final of the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India, April 3, 2016. /VCG Photo
Chris Gayle of the West Indies celebrates victory after winning the final of the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India, April 3, 2016. /VCG Photo
The southpaw was the highest run scorer for his side in the 2015 World Cup as he scored 340 runs at an average of 56.66. In the same tournament, he also set a new milestone by becoming the first male cricketer to score a World Cup double century with his blockbuster innings against Zimbabwe.
The flamboyant cricketer, however, has not played for West Indies since he scored 73 in an 18-run ODI defeat by Bangladesh last July before pulling out of the tour to India and Bangladesh in October and November last year.
He has been recently recalled to the Caribbean ODI squad for the first two games of this month's five-match series against England, starting in Barbados on February 20.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) dubbed Gayle as "one of the West Indies' best ever ODI cricketers" after Gayle's retirement announcement.