Storm over Gayle Windies return
SOMERSET have threatened legal action against West Indies batsman Chris Gayle after he reneged on a deal with them in the hope of making his international return against England this month.
Gayle had agreed to be Somerset’s designated overseas player for their Twenty20 campaign but, following talks to end his dispute with the West Indies Cricket Board, has pulled out of the contract.
Somerset chief executive Guy Lavender said he was “very disappointed” by Gayle’s decision, just weeks before the 32-year-old had been due to arrive, and hinted that they make seek redress.
“A contract is a contract,” said Lavender. “We are exploring our options and will decide what is best for Somerset in due course.”
Gayle has not played for West Indies since the 2011 World Cup but is keen to return for the three-Test series against England, which begins at Lord’s on 17 May, and the subsequent one-day and T20 matches. He said: “I understand that by making this decision, it may place me in a position of considerable risk.”