Cricket: Chris Gayle lashes out at critics

Chris Gayle. Photo / www.photosport.nz

Controversial West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle has hit back at his critics in an Instagram rant following the end of his stint in Australia's Big Bash League.

Gayle's stint with the Melbourne Renegades was embroiled in controversy surrounding his sideline interview with television reporter Mel McLaughlin.

Gayle was fined $10,000 by the Renegades for his flirtatious interview with McLaughlin, which he described as a "simple joke" but Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland deemed "completely out of line".

During a January 4 match, Gayle asked McLaughlin if she wanted to go out for a drink before adding "don't blush baby".

The West Indian ended his stint with the Renegades on Monday night when he equalled the world record for the fastest Twenty20 half-century, reaching the milestone from just 12 balls against the Adelaide Strikers.

On Instagram today, Gayle thanked his "haters" and called out past and present cricketers, referring to the incident with McLaughlin, saying it was blown out of proportion.

"The real ppl who stand by Gayle worldwide through the so call BS against me in the media, Thank You! To the MEDIA, Thank You all so! The Haters, I Thank you even more", said Gayle.

"I think a lot of past and present cricketers who smile in front my face could've have there say In the public when my so call issue was going on, but y'all don't have the BALLs to stand firm when it matters - but yet when u see me you're like, Chris that's BS against you, it was blown out of proportion. smh...don't tell me, tell the media and public! The past cricketer who say I make myself look like a chop, the other who claim I was no good to the youngsters while playing for the thunder, the next one who said he expect that sort of behavior from Chris - Y'all can kiss my 'Black Rass'."

View this post on Instagram

(My idol & the person who I look up to and also want to be like when growing up as a kid is in the picture)Thank you Renegades and the entire Australia for the love & support!! Ppl think I may have played my last innings in Aus but my memory with the fans will live on forever!! I build leagues around the world and Big Bash is one of them 😉. 'Give the ppl what they want '. Thank You Kunal 'Gold Bat' Sharma, you're an absolutely legend!! Piers Morgan, Thank you for your support champion! Thank you to the entire Crown and Olsen staff for the hospitality 🙌🏾🙌🏾🍾🎉 I had a blast, Thanks Ross!👍🏿 The real ppl who stand by Gayle worldwide through the so call BS against me in the media, Thank You! To the MEDIA, Thank You all so! The Haters, I Thank you even more 🙌🏾. I think a lot of past and present cricketers who smile in front my face could've have there say In the public when my so call issue was going on, but y'all don't have the BALLs to stand firm when it matters - but yet when u see me you're like, Chris that's BS against you, it was blown out of proportion 😏 smh...don't tell me, tell the media and public! The past cricketer who say I make myself look like a chop, the other who claim I was no good to the youngsters while playing for the thunder, the next one who said he expect that sort of behavior from Chris - Y'all can kiss my 'Black Rass' I love Australia and I will be back again even for the 🍺🍺🍺 oi oi 😄🙏🏿. Don't forget to check out the song #WeHeroes 💃🏻😄. #UniverseBoss

A post shared by KingGayle 👑 (@chrisgayle333) on Jan 18, 2016 at 8:32pm PST

The past cricketer Gayle was referring to was Andrew Flintoff, who was critical of Gayle during the incident.

In a video and audio media release issued by the Renegades on Tuesday, Gayle said he wanted to return to again play in the BBL.

"Definitely - I have always got a soft spot for Australia. And the fans here have been very supportive. They have been really, really tremendous," he said.

"I am glad I got the chance to entertain them as much as possible as I can. There has never been a harsh comment - it has been very, very positive from the fans' point of view.

"And the kids absolutely love it and I share a lot of moments with them, so it was very pleasing, that would be the most thing to look back to and give thanks to, the fans - really and truly for the support they have given me.

"The respect was unbelievable.

"Apart from India, Australia is the next place where Chris Gayle can really be that forefront, up-front person wherever you go."

- With AAP