Asked about his plans ahead, Gayle said, "To play the T20Is and ODIs against India, the CPL and the Canadian T20. That-s that. We-ll see after that what happens."
West Indies Chris Gayle gestures at the end of play during the 2019 Cricket World Cup group stage match between Afghanistan and West Indies at Headingley in Leeds, northern England, on July 4, 2019. - West Indies beat Afghanistan by 23 runs. (Photo by / A
Universal Boss Chris Gayle bid farewell to World Cup cricket by playing his last match of the tournament against Afghanistan on Thursday. He said that he felt disappointed that West Indies were not able to make the semifinals of the tournament.
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"It-s been a privilege and honour to represent West Indies in five World Cups, disappointed to end without making it to the final four. Lot has happened behind the scenes to get here and be here, that-s fantastic," Gayle said after their last match against Afghanistan ended in a 23-run win.
West Indies were actually pegged as one of the favourites for the semi-finals of the World Cup befor the tournament started, but ended up with a consolation win against Afghanistan to end the series.
"Would-ve loved to lift the trophy, but it didn-t happen but at the same time it was fun, enjoyed it. All the guys rallied around me, got the support of the youngsters. Must commend the staff for the work ethics they-ve put in. Words can-t explain my feeling at the moment honestly," the 39-year-old veteran said.
Last week, Chris Gayle had indicated that he could retire from international cricket after the series against India next month.
"We have a great bunch, it-s for them to uplift West Indies cricket. I-ll be around, I may be around for a few more games, will be there for the youngsters. World Cup wasn-t to be but life does go on.
"It is my last World Cup....unless they give me two years of rest and I come back laughs. I don-t intend to put my body on the risk, I-ve been struggling. This is the last one, definitely."
Before the match started, Chris Gayle needed a mere 18 runs to go past Brian Lara and become the highest run-scorer for West Indies in ODI cricket, but Gayle got out for 7 runs.
He added, "The future looks bright, with Hetmyer, Hope, Pooran - those guys will carry the flag and make sure West Indies cricket is back to where it belongs. They have a young captain in Jason Holder as well, they have to rally around. Look forward to the next World Cup as well."
Asked about his plans ahead, Gayle said, "To play the T20Is and ODIs against India, the CPL and the Canadian T20. That-s that. We-ll see after that what happens."
Here is how cricket fans reacted on Twitter reacted to Chris Gayle-s final outing at World Cups:
Finally legend-s WC carrier came to an end on a winning note. One of my favorite powerful hitter batsman of all time. Always mentally robust & explosive hands at the top. Thank you for making our childhood enthusiastic for over 1 decade. ðWIvAFGCWC19 pic.twitter.com/JC7h35m7Pz
— Salman Ch @chsalman5006 July 4, 2019
One of the greatest entertainer of word Cricket ♥ï¸
— Aa’shir ðµð° @SoDumDum July 4, 2019
Goodbye to the legend ♥ï¸
Cricketing world will definitely miss you @henrygayle ♥ï¸
Thank You the boss ♥ï¸WIvAFG pic.twitter.com/4bVcwhBYKW
Gayle or Misbah? Who did it better? ððª pic.twitter.com/VVE2C3MJ0T
— ESPNcricinfo @ESPNcricinfo July 5, 2019
So much â¤ï¸ for Chris Gayle!CWC19 pic.twitter.com/DXSWKgpiK0
— Cricket World Cup @cricketworldcup July 4, 2019
Chris Gayle had a memorable send off ð¾ pic.twitter.com/d4RTUqADIW
— ESPNcricinfo @ESPNcricinfo July 5, 2019
One last time Chris Gayle walks back in the World Cups.Thank You, Christopher Henry Gayle.
— Hasan fasih @ItsHasanfasih July 4, 2019
You-ve been an absolute entertainer and a childhood hero,Legend!Hope to see more of you in the leagues around the world â¤ï¸
Cricket will miss you!ChrisGayle WIvAFG WIvAFG pic.twitter.com/c3VMsLTZdd
Chris Gayle:
— Broken Cricket @BrokenCricket July 4, 2019
First WC Game vs SA 2003
Last WC Game vs Afg Today
Thank you champ!
ð "There are too many things you can pick from Chris Gayle. The entire world will miss him!"
— Cricket World Cup @cricketworldcup July 5, 2019
Watch Shai Hope speak fondly about the Universe Boss after yesterday-s CWC19 game.MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/BCZFDZSp6U
A lovely moment at the end of the game as Chris Gayle walks off the pitch for potentially the last time in World Cup cricket ð CWC19 | MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/3xVZS0h5AV
— Cricket World Cup @cricketworldcup July 4, 2019
39 year old Gayle having push up with Carlos Brathwaite after taking the catch, he always make something special while he is in the field. pic.twitter.com/ewIBal6z64
— Johns @CricCrazyJohns July 4, 2019
With inputs from PTI
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