Chris Gayle opts out of CPL 2020 citing personal reasons

West Indies veteran Chris Gayle opted out of CPL 2020, a day before the players’ draft, which was scheduled to take place on June 24. As per reports, Gayle cited personal reasons behind his decision to pull out his name from the tournament.

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) was slated to take place from August 18 until September 10, subject to permission from the government amid COVID-19 outbreak. Gayle was going to don Lucia Zouks in the tournament before he communicated his decision to the franchise. The explosive opener had signed for them in April as their marquee player.

Chris Gayle’s decision was confirmed by the Zouks, where the West Indian mentioned the reason behind his decision. Gayle, who has been in Jamaica, has not been able to meet his kids due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Gayle’s kids are away in St Kitts while being away from him. The West Indian said he needed a break and wanted to spend time with his young family, as reported by ESPNCricinfo.

Chris Gayle is the leading run-scorer of the CPL

Gayle had signed with Zouks in April post his fallout with Jamaica Tallawahs. In the past, he has also donned St Kitts and Nevis jersey. Gayle’s abrupt decision to opt out from the tournament is said to have disrupted Zouks’ plans for the players’ draft. The draft was slated to be conducted virtually for the first time, keeping in mind the transmission of COVID-19 virus.

Despite being the highest run-scorer in T20s, Gayle has struggled with the bat since the past couple of years. The swashbuckling opener is also the leading run-scorer of the CPL, having made 2,344 runs in the tournament.

In the previous CPL, Gayle had gathered 243 runs in 10 matches including a ton to his name. But, it is still not clear if the proposed pay cuts in the CPL has been a reason behind Gayle’s sudden decision. A CPL spokesperson also opened up on Gayle’s move and said that the organizers understood the 40-year-old’s decision.

“We understand that Chris has decided to not take part in CPL personal reasons. We wish Chris all the best for the rest of 2020 and hope to see him back at CPL in 2021,” said the spokesperson.