Gayle is finest identified for his exploits in T20 cricket however he’s additionally a veteran of 103 Tests and 301 ODIs.
Speaking to PTI, the 43-year-old stated solely three groups dominating the sport cannot be good for the sport in the long term.
“Over the years, cricket has changed quite a bit. It is a big business now. Lot of money is being thrown around not just in T20 leagues but Test cricket as well. The bigger teams get paid more than the smaller teams, leaving them at a disadvantage.
“It must be structured, so that everybody can profit. The deprived and lower-ranked groups must play extra video games to develop their expertise. Infrastructure must be created for them and people gamers should be paid nicely similar to the large groups as a result of everyone seems to be taking part in the identical quantity of cricket,” he said on the sidelines of Indian Veteran Premier League launch.
The Jamaican dasher’s statement needs to be put into perspective as other than the “Big Three’, the lower-ranked groups within the ICC rankings do not play three codecs repeatedly by way of the yr.
Don’t find out about way forward for ODIs
Gayle cannot predict what the long run holds for ODIs as nicely however has linked West Indies’ struggling run within the ongoing World Cup qualifiers to lack of incentives for the smaller groups to play worldwide cricket.
“Absolutely. We need to (incentivise). The women will also fight for their rights as well, payment wise. I am sure they want to be up there as much as men from a pay point of view. I know there are leagues around the world but sometimes territories restrict those players to play in those leagues and they won’t be able to get the funding they deserve,” the previous opener referred to the cap on the variety of personal leagues {that a} freelancer can ply his commerce in.
“If (the boards) don’t allow them to play those tournaments, then pay them properly, so that you can make international cricket better rather than have two or three teams pretty much dominating Test and ODI cricket. It doesn’t make sense at all. It would kill the game,” stated the Jamaican.
Gayle reckoned the prolonged domination of India, England and Australia would make the sport boring as nicely.
“Yeah that is what I am talking about, that is where I am coming from. Pretty much these three teams are dominating international cricket. If we continue like this, people are going to say ‘hey we need a new team now taking over, new talents taking over and making a name for themselves’.
Performance of West Indies in qualifiers upsetting
Two time world champions West Indies are on the brink of elimination from the ODI World Cup qualifiers in Harare and that has saddened Gayle
“It is upsetting. I’ve been part of Qualifiers earlier than. Sad to be in such a scenario. Things haven’t gone our approach going into the Super Six. It goes to be powerful. I can be very very dissatisfied not seeing the West Indies within the World Cup right here in India,” Gayle, a two-time winner of the T20 World Cup.
Cricketers should demand more money to play Indo-Pak World Cup games
Talking about the upcoming 50-over World Cup in India later this year, Gayle picked India, England, Pakistan and New Zealand as the four semi-finalists.
On the much awaited Indo-Pak clash in Ahmedabad on October 15, Gayle had a rather different take.
“Whenever these groups play, particularly in a World Cup, the revenues they generate is humongous. One sport can care for the complete ICC occasion. Pakistan and India gamers ought to demand some huge cash for these video games as a result of these video games are excessive paid video games TV sensible.
“I don’t control the board or the ICC. If I was in their position I would want a lot more,” he stated (laughing).
He additionally sees his longtime RCB teammate, Virat Kohli to dominate the World Cup at residence.
“Tough times don’t last long, tough players last longer. Virat is tough mentally as well physically. I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t go to this World Cup and dominate. As players, we always go through phases where things seem a bit dull and you need positive energy around to uplift yourself. Once we get back in the groove, we know how dangerous we can be.
“I do know India haven’t received an ICC trophy in a very long time and the identical is the case with us (West Indies). We final received in 2016. Pressure can be on India as they play at residence as favourites,” Gayle reckoned.
Will continue to play in franchise leagues
Gayle, who last played international cricket in 2021, has no immediate plans to announce his retirement. He would continue to play in leagues around the world, both professional and veteran events.
“I do not suppose there can be any worldwide cricket from my perspective. After the World Cup (in 2021), I used to be imagined to have a farewell sport. It didn’t occur. We have a brand new president in place, so I do not see it occurring. But I’ve not made an announcement as but.
“I am still active but won’t be playing so often.”
Watch Delhi: Cricketer Chris Gayle On Indian Veteran Premier League
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com