Chris Gayle launches stinging attack on critics

Big-hitting West Indian Chris Gayle has come out swinging in a long social media rant following the end of a controversial stint in the Big Bash League.

Gayle’s season with the Melbourne Renegades was embroiled in controversy surrounding his sideline interview with television reporter Mel Mc Laughlin.

The 36-year-old was fined $10,000 by the Renegades for his flirtatious interview with McLaughlin, which he described as a “simple joke” but Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland deemed “completely out of line”.

During a January 4 match, Gayle asked McLaughlin if she wanted to go out for a drink before adding “don’t blush baby”.

On Tuesday, the powerful Jamaican fired a parting shot in an Instagram post at his critics and those who failed to publicly defend him.

He began by saying that he believed he may have played his last innings in Australia, but added that “my memory with the fans will live on forever!”

“I think a lot of past and present cricketers who smile in front my face could’ve have there (sic) say In the public when my so call issue was going on, but y’all don’t have the BALLs to stand firm when it matters,” the post read.

“But yet when u see me you’re like, Chris that’s BS against you, it was blown out of proportion.

“Don’t tell me, tell the media and public!

“The past cricketer who say I make myself look like a chop, the other who claim I was no good to the youngsters while playing for the thunder, the next one who said he expect that sort of behavior from Chris – Y’all can kiss my ‘Black Rass’.”

Former England Test player and Big Bash League commentator Andrew Flintoff said Gayle had made himself “look like a bit of a chop” in a tweet following the interview with McLaughlin.

Former Australian Test opener Chris Rogers said Gayle had set a bad example for the Sydney Thunder’s young players when the pair both played with the franchise, while all-rounder Shane Watson said he expected the behaviour.

The West Indian ended his stint with the Renegades on Monday night when he equalled the world record for the fastest Twenty20 half century, reaching the milestone from just 12 balls against the Adelaide Strikers.

In a video and audio media release issued by the Renegades on Tuesday, Gayle had said he wanted to return to play again in the Big Bash League.

“Definitely – I have always got a soft spot for Australia. And the fans here have been very supportive. They have been really, really tremendous,” he said.