Chris Gayle taking "break" from cricket after rejecting West Indies recall

'Universe Boss' is mystified by his call-up to the Bangladesh Premier League which gets underway in December

Chris Gayle is preparing to take a break from all cricket after turning down the offer of a West Indies recall and appearing to distance himself from appearing in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League.

The 40-year-old was approached regarding his interest in playing for the Windies in the 50-over series against India next month.

But following a jarring spell in the Mzansi Premier League during which he mustered just 101 runs in six winless games for the Jozi Stars, Gayle is preparing to take a break from the sport.

"West Indies called me to play ODIs, but I am not going to play," 'Universe Boss' said.

"They (selectors) want me to play with the youngsters but for this year I am going to take a break."

Though Gayle has insisted he wants to have a rest from cricket, he is scheduled to play for Chattogram Challengers in the BPL starting on December 11.

Gayle is mystified over how he became to be part of the players' draft - an indication he could be unwilling to participate.

"I am not going to the Big Bash. I'm not sure what cricket will come up, I don't even know how my name reached the BPL, but I have been drafted in a team and I don't even know how that happened," he added.

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"I'm going to recharge my batteries and think ahead in life and try and plan it better and keep the people who are more real around you.

"There's a lot of things I am going to analyse. You never stop learning. Doesnt matter how long I have been playing. There's a lot of things for me to give back. 2020 is just around the corner. I will use now and next month to reflect on what I really want for 2020."

An investigation led by Bangladesh Cricket Board chief-executive Nizamuddin Chowhury is underway to discover whether Gayle had indeed signed the paperwork required to enter him for the draft.

If the batsman does withdraw it will leave Challengers without their premier overseas player.

Team director and BCB chief Jalal Yunus told The Daily Star: "We picked Gayle at the first opportunity. All our plans were made with him in mind. Now, if he doesn't come, we will be in big trouble. 

"After picking him we held discussions with him about payment. But we have not heard from him for the last few days. Now we hear this... I don't know where the problem lies."

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