Gayle remains eligible to play for the West Indies

Following a review of reports from Jackie Hendriks, President of the Jamaica Cricket Association and Chris Gayle, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has decided that Gayle should continue to be eligible for selection for the Cable and Wireless 2003 Series against Australia.

Gayle stated that he had informed Hendriks that he wished to follow through with his plans to play in the Double Wicket Tournament in St Lucia rather than the Carib Beer International Challenge.

"Mr. Hendriks indicated that he did not have a problem with my taking part in the said tournament, but he did not commit either way." Gayle said in his report.

Gayle added that he also informed the Jamaica Team Manager, Lyndel Wright who suggested that he needed to speak with the Jamaica Chairman of Selectors, Ruddy Williams.

"In our conversation Mr. Williams told me to think about my decision and whatever my decison was they would understand and support me either way" the opening batsman reported.

Gayle indicated that these gentlemen had not objected to his participation although he had no formal written approval. He also stated that he was not aware that he could be in breach of the eligibility rule.

Following its investigation, the Board has accepted that Gayle received tacit, if not explicit, permission to play in the Double Wicket Tournament in St Lucia rather than the Final of the Carib International Shield.

The WICB wishes to emphasise that players for the Double Wicket Tournament were selected solely by the organizers.

In a letter to Gayle, the Board has expressed its disappointment about his choosing to play in the Double Wicket Tournament rather than for his national team in the Carib International Shield Final, even after the Tournament organisers offered to release him.