“A COMPLETE DISGRACE”

– Fazeer Mohammed says of CWI organising Gayle’s farewell

By Brandon Corlette

Cricket West Indies (CWI) have seriously considered holding a farewell match for Chris Gayle. The self-proclaimed ‘Universe Boss’ would have that farewell match at his home ground of Sabina Park in Jamaica on January 16, 2022.
Since this development was announced, there have been mixed views from those in the Caribbean and around the world. International cricket commentator Fazeer Mohammed strongly believes that the young players who had the opportunity to play in Pakistan should be given more opportunities, as the next World T20 looms in Australia in 2022.

“We have a T20 match against Ireland at Sabina Park that is basically a fete match, and it is to the eternal shame of Cricket West Indies (CWI) that they are doing what they are doing for the sake of one player. It does not matter whether it is Chris Gayle, Brian Lara or Shivnarine Chanderpaul. The fact that you are going to select a West Indies team for an official International that is not picked on merit is something I consider as a complete disgrace,” Mohammed said on Sportsmax Zone.
He added: “Again, it reinforces the point that the West Indies need to take advantage of every opportunity, moving forward. So, whether it is a Romario Shepherd, an Odean Smith or a Shamarh Brooks, at least give them an opportunity to show their worth, to show that they are able to learn quickly. Because there is very little time, it is less than a year for the qualifying tournament for the next World T20.
“So, all these players who had their opportunities, hopefully they will be given further opportunity to develop their skills and show, by the time we hit the month of March, April, May, that the West Indies can have a competitive nucleus going into that tournament.”
It was announced earlier this month that West Indies would play three ODIs and a T20I against Ireland in Jamaica from January 8 to 16. Gayle confirmed, after West Indies exited the T20 World Cup, that he had played his last game in a major tournament, but revealed his hope that CWI would “give me one game in Jamaica, to go in front of my home crowd…then I can say, ‘Hey guys, thank you so much!'”
While Gayle will not be part of the ODI squad, with the series counting towards 2023 World Cup qualification through the Super League, the one-off fixture at Sabina Park could be used as his farewell game.

“It’s whether collectively we all feel that it’s appropriate for him to have one last game at home, to say farewell in a one-off game,” Johnny Grave, CWI Chief Executive, told the Mason and Guest radio programme in Barbados last month. “That Ireland series would represent that opportunity.
It would certainly be appropriate, as far as I can see it, to treat our players and give them the opportunity to bow out, especially players like Chris, who have had unbelievable careers and won trophies for the West Indies.”
Ireland will travel to the Caribbean on December 31, immediately after their series against USA, which starts on December 22 and comprises two T20Is and three ODIs. They have already named their squads for both tours, with Kevin O’Brien left out and David Ripley taking temporary charge as interim head coach.