Cricket: Chris Gayle's Big Bash future unclear

Chris Gayle's cards have been marked 'never to return' to the BBL.

Cricket Australia signs off on the contracts of all international stars and it's understood they would block any club that attempted to bring the disgraced West Indian back next season.

There is still a chance Gayle could have his current deal with the Melbourne Renegades immediately torn up by CA should the West Indies find him guilty of allegations he exposed himself to a woman in the lead-up to last year's World Cup.

Either way, the 36-year-old's second controversial stint in the BBL will be his last.

Renegades chief executive Stuart Coventry's position was also under intense scrutiny last night after infuriating cricket officials by dismissing as "opportunistic" the claims made against Gayle by an unidentified woman.

CA are livid with Gayle's sleazy behaviour and lack of contrition and the riot act has been read to him that if he puts so much of a toe out of line before this season is through he will face serious punishment that could extend to having his current deal terminated.

Further sanctions may not be too far away, with the Windies now looking into the allegations made against Gayle following prompting by CA head of security Sean Carroll.

Incredibly, the ICC have indicated they will not look into the matter that allegedly took place in the lead up to their own tournament in Sydney, because their pathetic code of conduct does not cover indiscretions that occur beyond the boundary during matches.

The ICC's soft attitude indicates that cricket authorities must urgently find a way of cutting out the red tape and making tougher stands against inappropriate behaviour.
Gayle's management released a statement denying the allegations made by the woman that he exposed himself.

"As Chris's management group, we have obviously been following recent events closely," the statement read.

"Chris denies the allegations published by Fairfax Media earlier today. It's important that anyone seeking to make false accusations against Chris be aware that Chris and his management will be considering all rights and legal options available. There will be no further comment from Chris or his management at this stage."

Coventry has made several gaffes in the past 48 hours but to suggest the alleged victim of Gayle's harassment was to blame has left Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland fuming.

The Renegades board led by Chairman Jason Dunstall and overseen by Cricket Victoria were last night meeting to determine Coventry's fate.

"Cricket Victoria are committed to demonstrating that our sport respects girls and women and we're working incredibly hard to ensure that is the case," said Cricket Victoria boss, Tony Dodemaide.

"We certainly don't condone the reported comments attributed to Stuart this morning and we're looking into it further."

CA were unable to hit Gayle with anything firmer than a $10,000 fine due to concerns a suspension or sacking could have been successfully challenged by the player.

The governing body also had little control over disciplining Coventry due to it being under Cricket Victoria's jurisdiction.

However, it's possible an incident of this magnitude could force the still fledging Big Bash league to look at how it can more forcefully handle discipline breaches in the future.

- news.com.au