Ian Chappell proposes a worldwide ban for Chris Gayle
Former Australian cricketer Ian Chappell has called for a worldwide ban on Chris Gayle over his controversial TV interview with journalist Mel McLaughlin during a recent Big Bash League match.
Chappell has asked Cricket Australia (CA) to suggest a worldwide contracting ban on the hard-hitting Caribbean following his widely-criticised interview with McLaughlin.
Chappell said CA need to show zero-tolerance towards the "totally inappropriate" behaviour.
Gayle should never to be contracted again in this country: Chappell
In an interview the 72 year old said, "I wouldn't have a problem if Cricket Australia said to the clubs, 'he's never to be contracted again in this country'."
He added "And I also wouldn't have a problem if Cricket Australia said to the ICC, what we're doing should be worldwide. You'd have to talk to the individual countries then. But I wouldn't have a problem if it was tabled at an ICC meeting that Cricket Australia said, 'this is what we're doing and we would recommend that everybody else do the same'."
The Australian legend questioned, "How are you going to stop it otherwise?"
Gayle was fined USD 10,000 by his Big Bash League (BBL) side Melbourne Renegades for his on-air mid-match comments to the female journalist.
Gayle, who is currently out of the international set-up is playing franchise cricket all around the globe. Though, his hopes of returning for next year’s BBL in Australia could be over as he is set to be banned by Cricket Australia. Gayle invited controversy during his sides’ win over Hobart Hurricanes on January 4. After he said he was happy to be interviewed by McLaughlin "just to see your eyes for the first time."
The Jamaican also said, "Nice, so hopefully we can win this game and we can have a drink after.” The 36 year old quickly added, "Don't blush baby," which made McLaughlin to shake her head and reply, "I'm not blushing."
Later in a press conference he apologised for his behaviour, saying it was a "simple joke". After this incident another female journalist came forward alleging Gayle for exposing himself to her. According to her the incident took place in a practice session in Sydney during the 2014 ICC World Cup.
Chappell said Gayle was a serial offender and only a worldwide ban would send a strong message to all the cricketers.
Chappell said, "If it was a one-off thing, yeah, slap him with a USD 10,000 fine and say mate, don't do it again. But every woman I spoke to (about Gayle) who's working at the cricket, you got the same answer from. They were quite adamant about it.”