Gayle will not be banned from featuring in the BBL

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland has revealed that the board have no intentions of banning West Indies opener Chris Gayle from participating in future editions of the Big Bash League (BBL).

Earlier this year, Gayle, who was representing the Melbourne Renegades, became the centre of controversy when he was interviewed by Channel 10 journalist Mel McLaughlin. During the interview, Gayle told McLaughlin: “Your eyes are beautiful, hopefully we can win this game and then we can have a drink after as well. Don’t blush, baby.”

Gayle ended up being fined $10,000 for his comments, which Sutherland branded as “completely inappropriate” and “bordering on harassment.”

Despite not being pleased with Gayle’s remarks to McLaughlin, Sutherland made it clear that Cricket Australia will not stop any player from playing in the BBL unless the player has been involved in match-fixing.

“No matter what anyone at Cricket Australia thought at management level, board level, I think you’re on a slippery slope if you start making judgments on players who could or shouldn’t be playing in the Big Bash League or in our domestic competitions. Because, when does that ever end?” he said. “My view is unless there’s a very, very strong reason along the lines of anti-corruption, then it’s difficult for us to be making those judgments.

“I’m not saying that it wouldn’t happen but my judgment is that it’s not appropriate. It’s about the teams themselves to make the calls.”