Chris Gayle says he is ready to put on the maroon again

Prolific Batsman Chris Gayle

ZIZ News…May 3 2012 — Chris Gayle the prolific West Indies batsman says he has written to Somerset CC and advised them that he will not be honouring the commitment made to them when he signed a contract with them for the 2012 Friends Provident Championship.

In a statement issued on Wednesday May 3, 2012, Gayle said he made it clear to them that his decision was made because of his commitment to West Indies cricket and to West Indies cricket fans, and because: “…I believe that it is time for the WICB to make a decision which will provide a clearer view of my own future.”

Gayle said he understand that by making this decision, it may place him in a position of considerable risk, since he is foregoing a signed contract, without any guarantees whatsoever, with only the hope that he will be selected to play for the West Indies again.

I have now satisfied all of the requests of the WICB and their selection panel, with whom I met via teleconference yesterday, and to whom I reiterated previous assurances given to the Board regarding my availability. So that there is no doubt, I confirmed to the selectors that I was available for West Indies duty in all forms of cricket, immediately following the conclusion of my contractual obligations to my IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore said Gayle in a Statement issued to the media.

This has been a difficult time, and I wish to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me, my family and friends, and in particular cricket fans worldwide who have continued to show appreciation for me wherever I have played. I look forward to once again putting on the maroon, and resuming my international career and my service to West Indies Cricket, Gayle concluded.