Cricket

WIPA Happy at Gayle’s Return

Kingston, Jamaica – The West Indies Player’s Association (WIPA) is delighted that the way has been cleared for Chris Gayle’s return to the West Indies team following a meeting with the West Indies selectors who confirmed “that once he (Gayle) was available he would be considered for selection once the Board gave the necessary clearance”. Dr. Julian Hunte, WICB President, in a separate confirmation to Gayle advised that the “Board has never and will not now start interfering with the decision of the Selectors”, making it clear that the selectors are now free to pick Gayle.

Gayle in a response to Dr. Hunte’s email of May 3rd, expressed his happiness that the matter has finally been resolved, Gayle wrote that: ‘I am even more delighted to report that my meeting with the selectors went well, with Mr Butts on behalf of the other selectors present at the meeting indicated that, and I quote from the confirmed minutes of the said meeting, “that once he (Gayle) was available he would be considered for selection once the board gave the necessary clearance”. Having read your email, which states that the “Board has never and will not now start interfering with the decision of the Selectors” I am pleased that the Board has confirmed that the required clearance has been given. I trust that you will inform the selectors accordingly.’

Gayle further stated: “As you would appreciate, I am extremely excited to once more wear the maroon and satisfy the West Indian fans by contributing to West Indies cricket so that we once again aim to reach the pinnacle of world cricket.”

Speaking from Kingston, Jamaica, WIPA CEO Michael Hall also expressed satisfaction at comments made by West Indies coach Otis Gibson and team captain Darren Sammy: “Both the coach and the captain have expressed that Chris is a world class player and signaled their intention to welcome Chris back into the fold, and we are very encouraged by this. The most important thing is that the impasse is at an end, and Chris can get back to contributing to West Indies cricket at a time when he appears to be at the peak of his career,” he said.

WIPA is also encouraged by the upbeat worldwide reaction to Gayle’s return seen in the many positive articles posted on various media websites, and the positive fan reaction evidenced by the lively discussions on the various dot com cricket message boards.

WIPA would also like to express our sincere thanks to the Management of the Somerset Cricket Club for their understanding, mature and conciliatory approach in this matter by their agreement not to pursue this matter any further. WIPA is also aware, that Chris has been in constant contact with the management of Somerset during this entire process. Chris in response to a letter from the Chairman of Somerset responded by stating that: “I (Chris) wish to first and foremost express my heartfelt thanks to you and the other members of Somerset CC for your decision not to pursue any action against me. As you would appreciate this has been an extremely difficult decision for me. I must admit that receiving your letter this morning was comforting, and I appreciate this support more than you will ever know.”

Chris further stated:” I would like to say up front that I am happy to agree to your request that I allow Somerset the first opportunity to contract me should I become available to play county cricket in England in the near future.”

WIPA are also wishes to express its gratitude for the role played by the Caricom Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Cricket (PMSC) and other Caribbean leaders in helping to facilitate Chris’ return to West Indies cricket much to the delight of the fans of West Indies around the world.

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