CWI planning to give Chris Gayle a farewell in January 2022 against Ireland

The West Indies Cricket Board is planning to give the legendary Chris Gayle a fitting farewell in the month of January next year if West Indies’ limited-overs series against Ireland is confirmed.

Gayle had revealed after the West Indies were knocked out of the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup that he would like to play a farewell game in Jamaica.

Cricket commentator Fazeer Mohammed feels that just because Gayle wants a farewell match, some other player who deserves a spot in the side should not be left out. Mohammed even labelled such a situation as a ‘dangerous precedent’.

“Are you saying somebody is going to be left out on merit to accommodate somebody’s farewell? Give him a testimonial, in the same way, you see in other countries…but I think it’s a dangerous precedent where someone is allowed to play an official international match as a farewell if they don’t deserve that place on merit,” said Mohammed in a chat with Mason and Guest.

Chris Gayle has had an unbelievable career: CWI CEO Jonny Grave

The CEO of Cricket West Indies (CWI), Jonny Grave feels that if fans are allowed inside Sabina Park, then it will give the people of the West Indies a chance to give Gayle a farewell. Adding that the CWI is in talks with the Govt, regarding the same, Grave added that the series will be confirmed in a few days’ time.

“That would be, hopefully, if fans are allowed into Sabina, a good opportunity for us to say farewell to Chris at his home ground. We are still talking to the government of Jamaica around the protocols and the ability to play the series there but I hope within the next few days we can confirm that series, one, taking place and two, being held in Jamaica,” said Grave.

Grave further said that Gayle is a player who has had an unbelievable international career, and has won trophies for the West Indies, and deserves an opportunity to be given a send-off.

“It would certainly be appropriate, as far as I can see, to treat our players and give them the opportunity to bow out, especially players like Chris, who have had unbelievable careers and won trophies for the West Indies,” concluded Grave.