Melbourne Renegades star batsman Chris Gayle apologised for the unprofessional comments he passed while being interviewed by a Channel 10 TV presenter Mel McLaughlin during the Big Bash League clash against Hobart Hurricanes at the Blundstone arena on Monday.
"I wanted to come and have an interview with you as well, that's the reason why I'm here... to see your eyes for the first time. Hopefully we win this game and we can have a drink after, don't blush baby," is what Gayle said to McLaughlin during the interview.
And post this comment, the big West Indian faced a lot of criticism from around the globe. Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, who is also a part of the commentary panel of the Big Bash League 2015-2016, took to Twitter to crticise the Jamaican. Later, Shane Watson retweeted Flintoff, showing his support for the Englishman's tweet.
Chris Gayle came out and apologised to McLaughlin after the game, insisting he did not mean any harm and it was all just a joke.
"To be honest with you, a lot of things have actually flared up from a simple comment, a simple joke on air, and it seemed to go out of proportion. There wasn't anything at all meant to be disrespectful toward Mel, or offensive. If she felt this way, then I am really sorry for that," Gayle told reporters at the Melbourne Airport.
"There wasn't any harm meant. It was a simple joke. In entertainment, things get blown out of proportion. But these things happen and there wasn't any harm done."
Renegades boss Stuart Coventry immediately apologised on behalf of the franchise as well. Gayle now faces sanctions from Cricket Australia for his comments on television.
Check out what Gayle said here:
Big Bash League chief executive Anthony Everard released a statement on Twitter, slamming Gayle for his comments.
"I heard Chris' comments and they're disrespectful and simply inappropriate. We'll certainly be talking to him and the Renegades about it. This league is all about its appeal to kids, families and females. There's just no place in the BBL – or, for that matter, cricket anywhere – for that sort of behaviour," Everard said on Twitter.
