Cricket, or to be more specific, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), was once again stealing the headlines last week, without a ball being bowled. This time, the action commenced in the new arena for the waging of wars with words, social media, and continued in the traditional media, with the issuing of statements, which had obviously been reviewed by legally trained minds.
Chris Gayle, the former West Indies opening batsman and most successful slugger in the history of the T20 format of the game, took to social media to vent his disapproval at the manner in which he had been let go by his home country’s CPL franchise, the Jamaica Tallawahs. In three videos posted on YouTube, totaling almost 45 minutes, he ranted and raved about his non-retention by the Tallawahs for the 2020 season
Most of Gayle’s venomous attack was directed at his former teammate, past West Indies captain, Ramnaresh ‘Ronnie’ Sarwan, who served as the assistant coach for the Tallawahs during the 2019 CPL season. Gayle, who led the Tallawahs in 2019, spoke at a calm pace, and with deliberate delivery, somewhat in the manner in which he swings his oversized bat, holding back nothing. He described ‘Sars’ as “being worse than the corona virus”, “poison”, and “a snake”. Further accusations of Sarwan’s character included being vindictive, wicked, evil, despicable, and a news carrier.
Gayle’s rant also blamed Guyanese politics for his ouster from the Tallawahs franchise, which is owned by America-based Guyanese businessman, Kris Persaud, whom he claims is very close to Sarwan. Gayle, who stated that he is non-political, claims that he was invited by a minister of the government to visit his hometown where he grew up [he doesn’t even remember the name of the place], and this visit was perceived in the wrong light by the other party to which the franchise is linked.
Jeff Miller, Chief Executive of the Tallawahs, and Persaud “played games with him,’ according to Gayle, who acknowledged that he had agreed to two pay cuts to stay with the team which is said to be losing money.
Last Wednesday, the managment of the Tallawahs franchise stated, “…the truth is that this decision was made collectively by the Ownership and Management team which did not include Mr Ramnaresh Sarwan and based purely on business and cricketing reasoning. Further, the ownership and management of the Tallawahs have no political affiliation with any political organisation in any country of the Caribbean.
“The Tallawahs had a very disappointing season in CPL 2019 where the team finished last in the tournament. The ownership and management team has exercised its rights in the selection of players for CPL 2020 for the betterment of the team.”
The Tallawahs statement concluded that it will not be making any further comments on the matter and will be focusing on building the team for the future.
Sarwan expressed utter shock and dismay at the accusations made by his former teammate, whose friendship dates as far back to 1996, when they were roommates in the Under -19 West Indies team.
“Let me make it abundantly clear, that I have played with Gayle from the inception of my international career and I have always respected him as an extraordinary talent, a colleague and most importantly, a close friend. Hence, my utter shock by these scandalous allegations,” Sarwan stated.
Sarwan explained that although he was appointed head coach last year, he stepped aside upon Gayle’s urging to let Gayle’s close friend Donovan Miller have the job. He further denied instigating the overseas players to “make a mockery” of Gayle in front of younger players for not being present on training days, a routine which Gayle proudly claims that he has followed in all T20 leagues around the world.
The heat was certainly on. Jeff Dujon, former West Indies wicketkeeper/batsman, always ‘his brothers’ keeper,’ was asked on the Mason & Friends cricket talk show on the Voice of Barbados what advice he would give Gayle. Dujes, as teammates often referred to him, always “his brothers’ keeper,” realising that his fellow Jamaican had overstepped the boundaries of decency and common sense, made an attempt to pour cold water on the spat among former close friends.
“I’d have to ask him first of all what the whole situation is and it goes without saying that’s not the way I would have approached it,” Dujon responded immediately. Carefully skirting the real issue behind the entire fiasco, he dropped a hint later on, “He [Gayle] is getting to a stage now where his age will be a factor…”
So what is the real issue for this squall? Gayle is a past superstar whose descent into normal everyday life is accelerating at a rapid rate, a fact he does not seem able to come grips with. Last November, he bid an explosive goodbye to the Jonzi Stars, the defending champions of South Africa’s Mzansi T20 Super League, after they had lost their first six matches.
“As soon as I don’t perform, for two or three games, then Chris Gayle is the burden for the team….And then you will hear bickering. I am not going to get respect,” Gayle was quoted by ESPN Cricinfo, as he departed in a huff and a puff.
Father Time, the ultimate umpire has raised his index finger, Christopher Gayle. It is time to go. You are now an overpriced former superstar, who freely admits to no longer wanting to attend net sessions, or seeing the need for curfews. Do you honestly think last year’s bottom of the table Tallawahs, who won only two matches, were going to offer you another year on an escalating contract for your declining performances? Do you think that your recent rantings on social media have endeared you to the cricketing public in the Caribbean and around the world? Is this a good legacy you are leaving for the younger players?
The St. Lucia Zouks have retained your services for this year’s CPL Let your bat do all the talking. It is time to stop blaming Guyanese for your woes, Mr Gayle.
