CHRIS GAYLE HITS BACK AT HIS CRITICS

Chris Gayle has responded to the criticism he received from fellow cricketers following his sexist comments during a live interview in last season's Big Bash League, with Andrew Flintoff, Chris Rogers and Ian Chappell all coming under fire in an extract from his new autobiography. In January, Gayle was fined $10,000 by his club, Melbourne Renegades, after propositioning Channel Ten's pitch-side reporter, Mel McLaughlin, during a mid-match piece to camera, in which he first asked McLaughlin out for a drink and then responded to her visible uneas with the words, "Don't blush, baby". Despite the controversy that ensued, Gayle remains unrepentant five months down the line. "Now T20 is different," he writes, in a serialized extract of his book Six Machine, published in the Times. "It's not Test cricket. It's chilled and fun and let's do things different. So when Mel asks me that question I stay in the T20 mind, and answer informal and fun. I meant it as a joke. I meant it as a little fun. I didn't mean to be disrespectful and I didn't mean it to be taken serious."

"Chris Rogers, how can you claim that when it was you and me at the bar most nights?" he wrote, "I'm not a snitch, but I've heard from your own mouth what you've done. Next time you want to open your mouth, maybe chew on a carrot instead." As for Flintoff, who wrote on Twitter after the McLaughlin incident that Gayle had made himself look a bit of a "chop", Gayle suggested - slightly bizarrely - that his criticisms were invalidated because of Flintoff's own admission, in an interview last year that he had once been run out in a Test match after taking Viagra. "Freddie Flintstone, a young boy like you taking Viagra? Don't lecture me," wrote Gayle. "The only chop Freddie knows is when he used to bowl short to me and I would chop him past backward point for four."

"Ian Chappell, calling for me to be banned worldwide. Ian Chappell, a man who was once convicted of unlawful assault in the West Indies for punching a cricket official. Ian Chappell, how can you ban the Universe Boss? You'd have to ban cricket itself." However, Somerset dismissed any suggestion that they will renege on their six-game deal with Gayle as a consequence of his comments. According to the officials, the behavior of Gayle was found to be fantastic and up-to-the-mark. This is the latest news from West Indies, however if you want to get all the latest updates with all the news, views and fantastic videos, then download Krickoo app today and get all the latest info from the cricketing world.

 

[Simran Rai]

The incident involving West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle during the Big Bash League brought considerable attention and raised a range of reactions across the global cricketing community. The comments made by Gayle during a live broadcast—particularly his interaction with Channel Ten's pitch-side reporter Mel McLaughlin—sparked a significant backlash, resulting in a $10,000 fine imposed by his club, the Melbourne Renegades. This situation became a flashpoint in the ongoing conversation around professionalism in sport, gender sensitivity, and the blurred lines between entertainment and decorum in T20 cricket.


Gayle’s response to the criticism has now been shared publicly through an excerpt from his autobiography, Six Machine, where he defends his comments as an attempt at humor within the casual atmosphere that often characterizes the T20 format. According to Gayle, the intent behind his remarks was not to offend but to maintain what he describes as the relaxed and informal spirit of the format. This position, however, continues to draw mixed responses from fellow cricketers, commentators, and fans.


The response has not been limited to just an explanation of intent. Gayle's remarks in his autobiography take direct aim at some of his critics, including former cricketers Andrew Flintoff, Chris Rogers, and Ian Chappell. These individuals had publicly condemned Gayle’s behavior during and after the incident. In return, Gayle accused Rogers of hypocrisy, making personal references to shared social interactions, while dismissing Flintoff's criticism by referencing the latter’s past statements and on-field moments. The rhetoric used to counter Ian Chappell was especially strong, as Gayle highlighted past controversies involving Chappell to question his moral authority.


Such exchanges reflect a broader tension in cricket today. On one hand, modern formats like T20 demand a high level of engagement, showmanship, and a relaxed persona that resonates with newer audiences. On the other hand, there remains a need for consistency in behavior that respects the evolving standards of professionalism and inclusiveness in sports broadcasting.


The incident also opened up a discussion on whether offhand comments—particularly those involving gender dynamics—can be justified by format differences or intentions. Cricket, like many other sports, continues to work towards balancing entertainment with sensitivity and respect. Public figures within the sport bear a responsibility to ensure that engagement does not cross into territory that may be perceived as inappropriate or uncomfortable, especially during live broadcasts.


Interestingly, Gayle's club and Somerset County Cricket Club, where he had a separate deal, chose not to take any punitive action beyond the initial fine. Somerset went so far as to publicly back Gayle, describing his behavior as “fantastic and up to the mark.” This decision once again highlighted the contrast between public criticism and organizational actions. Commercial interests, audience draw, and brand alignment often play a role in how clubs and franchises handle such controversies.


This incident and its aftermath serve as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with fame and media presence in professional sports. While humor and informality are integral to formats like T20, maintaining professionalism, especially in live media interactions, remains essential. Cricket boards, franchises, and individual players must continue to foster environments that are both entertaining and respectful.


For those seeking real-time updates on similar stories and broader cricketing news, platforms like Krickoo offer a comprehensive experience by aggregating news, videos, and expert commentary. Such tools have become indispensable for fans who wish to stay informed in a dynamic cricketing landscape.​