In a statement, released yesterday to the people of Jamaica and the Cariibaen, a disappointed Gayle said “if the basis for my non-selection was because it is felt I cannot contribute positively to the team then I must accept that decision and work on my game to re-earn and regain a spot on the team.

However, Gayle pointed out “on the other hand if as I suspect my non-selection stemmed from a clear and demonstrable misunderstanding of the application of the rules relative to eligibility for selection and my participation in the Double Wicket Competition recently held in St Lucia then I believe that an injustice has been done to me.”

The text of Gayle’s statements reads:

I have prepared my report for the West Indies Cricket Board as regards my recent participation representing the West Indies in the ICC- and WICB-sanctioned Double Wicket Tournament in St Lucia. That document has been sent to the WICB as they have requested and contains all of the details that led to my decision. I feel, however that I need to make a statement to the people of the Caribbean and in particular to the people of my country - Jamaica.

I would like to state strongly - that I have always been very proud and extremely honoured to represent Jamaica and the West Indies on the cricket field. It is something I have NEVER taken and will NEVER take for granted. In my opinion it is the highest possible honour that anyone in the Caribbean could ever have.

I went to the Double Wicket Competition with the full belief that I was within the ‘law’ of the WICB and had obtained the necessary permission from the relevant persons in authority and had the blessing of my teammates. When I agreed to participate in the Double Wicket Tournament I did so as a West Indies cricket player to play on a team representing the West Indies.

For the past several years I have earned my living by playing cricket, however, I do not play for the financial reward (welcome as that may be) but because of my love and passion for the game. While I may have made a misguided decision, I do not believe that I have done anything wrong. However, if I am wrong in this belief, I can and wish to assure everyone in the Caribbean and in particular Jamaica that I did not intend to do wrong and I humbly seek your forgiveness and understanding.

I am very disappointed that I have not been selected to play for the West Indies in the tour opener against the Australians. If the basis for my non-selection was because it is felt I cannot contribute positively to the team then I must accept that decision and work on my game to re-earn and regain a spot on the team. In this regard I would be grateful if this information could be formally imparted to me.

On the other hand if as I suspect my non-selection stemmed from a clear and demonstrable misunderstanding of the application of the rules relative to eligibility for selection and my participation in the Double Wicket Competition recently held in St Lucia then I believe that an injustice has been done to me.