Gayle Quits As West Indies Captain, Board In Turmoil

Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 3:36 pm under Sports News Gayle Quits As West Indies Captain, Board In Turmoil

PORT OF SPAIN :Chris Gayle resigned as captain of West Indies cricket team, according to WICB CEO Donald Peters, who is also speculated to be sent on leave, indicating uncertain times for Board ahead of Champions Trophy in Pakistan in September next.

“CEO Dr Donald Peters confirmed West Indies captain Chris Gayle had indeed formally tendered his resignation as skipper on Saturday night by letter,” a newspaper reported. “He, however, did not give details as to Gayle`s reasons,” it added.

Gayle was reportedly unhappy with West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) selection policy and voiced concerns over regional selectors choices in recent ODI series against Australia after Windies had surrendered decisive third match.

Meanwhile, Caribbean Media Corporation claimed Peters had been “sent on unspecified, administrative leave immediately”, and corporate secretary Tony Deyal, was said to be dismissed as outcome of an “emergency internal investigation” into information leaks from within Board concerning funding for WICB president Julian Hunte`s office.

But Peters said he had no communication in this regard. “We have been hearing that. But no, that has not been communicated to me, and there is no reason to believe that there is any such (decision),” he was quoted as saying by the paper.

Deyal, on his part, said “I have asked the Board to clarify it, and Board hasn’t said anything. Nobody confirmed or denied it. There is no reason (given for dismissal). One would think there must be, but I was never asked to respond (to any such issue)”.