Sydney Thunder star Shane Watson wants to see old rival Chris Gayle back in BBL
CHRISTIAN NICOLUSSI, The Sunday Telegraph
January 14, 2017 2:00am
SHANE Watson hopes Chris Gayle’s absence from this summer’s Big Bash League is a one-off, and the big West Indian returns Down Under next year.
After his controversial “don’t blush, baby’’ comment to commentator Mel McLaughlin last year, Gayle was not invited back by the Melbourne Renegades, nor generated any interest from the other BBL franchises for this season.
Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland said Gayle was not banned from returning.
But there was a widespread belief CA would have torpedoed any plans to allow Gayle to return this summer if a franchise did want to sign him.
Chris Gayle entertained crowds with his batting during his time in the BBL.
Gayle, who is set to become the first player to post 10,000 Twenty20 runs, remains one of the most devastating batsmen in the world and knows how to pull punters through the turnstiles.
Considering players with criminal convictions have been welcomed back to competitions like the NRL and the AFL, Gayle has paid a heavy price.
Watson said at the time Gayle’s behaviour was “fairly expected’’, but after playing with him for Bangalore in the Indian Premier League, then soaking up the atmosphere and culture during the Caribbean Premier League, had a new respect for the giant left-hander.
“After getting to know Chris playing for Bangalore, I realised he’s a genuinely really good guy,’’ Watson told The Sunday Telegraph.
Thunder skipper Shane Watson drives during the Big Bash League win over the Hurricanes at Blundstone Arena last weekend. Picture: Getty Images
“No doubt what happened last year wasn’t ideal at all.
“Culturally things are different in different places around the world, and what might be accepted somewhere isn’t acceptable in places like here.
“In the end it was inappropriate what he did, and unfortunately he doesn’t have a contract (to play in the BBL this summer).
Shane Watson and Chris Gayle have been rivals for several years.
“From a cricket point of view, I’d like to see him (here again).
“Everyone makes mistakes, he certainly got dragged over the coals for what he did, and rightfully so. But if everyone who made a mistake was written off and never allowed back, people wouldn’t be able to grow and learn.
“This means Chris doesn’t have the chance to come out and strut his stuff, which is incredible when he’s in full flight. And just the personality he brings to the game of cricket, it’s very special.’’
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