Gayle antagonistic and unrepentant - WICB

The impasse in West Indies cricket continued with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) claiming that Chris Gayle has been "antagonistic and unrepentant" in the negotiations aimed at resolving their dispute, but kept the offer of a meeting open, to reach a compromise. The board was reacting to a long and emotional public statement from Gayle, who had said all attempts at reconciliation from the WICB were a "sham and a mockery".

"The WICB reiterates its stated position, that there is a history of difficulty in communicating with and relating to Mr Gayle and wishes to bring this matter to a resolution; but from his latest statement and his expressed views in the meetings with the WICB it would appear as though he is of the unshakeable view that he has conducted himself impeccably," the board stated in a release. "The WICB insists that his conduct cannot simply be swept under the carpet as is the apparent desire of Mr Gayle."

The board said that Gayle would be made available for selection for the West Indies team, but not if he remained inflexible. "As previously communicated to Mr Gayle, the WICB wishes to ensure that Mr Gayle's services remain available to West Indies cricket, but not at any cost and not on his inflexible take-it-or-leave-it terms.

"There must be mutual respect and a commitment to put West Indies cricket first. The WICB has written to Gayle making it clear that it is willing to seek a compromise resolution. Gayle's position is that he has nothing to account for and expects to be automatically reinstated to the West Indies team whenever he decides that he is available.

"Even though at a follow up meeting between Mr Gayle and the team management, the head coach indicated what was required to assist in his return to the West Indies team, Gayle has refused and has demonstrated no inclination to compromise; instead he has been antagonistic and unrepentant in the entire process."

The board expressed its willingness to meet with Gayle and address the outstanding issues.

Gayle wasn't picked for the ongoing series against India owing to differences with the board, including issues over a widely-publicised radio interview with KLAS Sports, in which he strongly criticised the WICB. The disputing parties met on June 15, but the rift only appeared to widen.