Gayle lends his support to Australia cricketers

West Indies dashing opener Chris Gayle has come out in support of Steve Smith and co. in their pay dispute with Cricket Australia which sees 230 Australian cricketers without a contract.

The Jamaican born feels that the players deserve what they demand. The Australia Cricketers’ Association is backing the players and doesn’t want the revenue sharing model to be broken.

Gayle, who himself has been part of a bitter pay dispute with the West Indies cricket board the likes of Steve Smith and David Warner to stand their ground.

West Indies cut short a tour of India because of the pay dispute between the West Indies Cricket board and the West Indies cricketers in 2014.

“To be very honest I have not been following or have not spoken to anyone about it. But yes, I am aware of their situation. It is something that I have been involved with myself before. I am standing with the players and hope they stand firm and get what they deserve,” Gayle said.

Gayle wants to help West Indies lift the 2019 World Cup and spoke about his desire to join his West Indies teammates.

“It is obviously great to be back in national colours. Obviously, I hope to get back into the squad. Our main aim will be to put up a great show and collectively win the 2019 World Cup. Yes, I do look to play as long as possible and till the time my body permits,” he concluded on the matter.

Gayle, who has been part of all four occasions of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), joined Rangpur Riders for the fifth edition of the tournament.