(CMC) — Despite claiming that he still had “a lot in the tank,” Jamaica opening batsman Chris Gayle has said he is looking forward to relaxing and spending time with his family as his cricketing career winds down.
The 39-year-old ended his List A career for Jamaica last week in spectacular fashion, as he blazed a century on his way to captaining the Scorpions to a 33-run victory over the Barbados Pride in the Regional Super50 competition.
But after playing cricket for over a quarter of a century, Gayle said the time had come for him to enjoy life.
“It’s a great feeling. There’s a lot in the tank, to be honest with you, but there’s life after cricket, so I have to live some life as well. It’s been over 25 years playing cricket. It’s something fantastic. It’s a great achievement as well from a personal point of view.
“I have a family now, I have to look towards that as well and gel with them as much as possible, watch your kid grow; and you never know, I can get a few more and take it from there,” Gayle said.
The powerful, left-handed opening batsman said he was always open to sharing his wealth of knowledge with any young, aspiring cricketer.
“I will always share my experience with the young guys or whosoever. Once the time presents itself after such a long career, you’re going to want to reflect a bit, stay away a bit because you’ve been travelling and living out of suitcases, so you want to reflect and get back to normal life. But I will always have something to offer and give back to the game,” Gayle said.
“I’ve been living the life. There’s no doubt about it and I have opened a lot of doors for cricketers by showing them they can live life while playing cricket as well. I think I’ve set that example for cricketers around.”
And as he reflected on his final innings, Gayle said he had not entirely ruled out the possibility of returning to play a four-day game for Jamaica.
He said the fact that he was allowed to captain the side and the century was a match-winning one made the occasion more special.
“It was very pleasing to get a century in my last 50-over game for Jamaica. It was something fantastic and something I will always cherish and I will actually remember as well. More so, to actually get a win and lead the team to a victory, that’s fantastic. I just want to thank the guys for all their effort and their support over the last couple of years. It’s been fantastic,” Gayle admitted.
“Overall, having said that, I’m very thankful and grateful that I’m still able to stand here at age 39 and still get a century in my last game.
“It’s possible to play a four-day game at Sabina Park if it presents itself. I will look into it and play a four-day game for Jamaica as well. I don’t know when the four-day will start, but when it starts I’ll look into the schedule and make myself available,” Gayle added.
