Didn't get the respect I deserved, wasn't treated properly: Chris Gayle on opting out of IPL-15
London(PTI): One of T20 cricket's all-time greats, Chris Gayle has revealed that he opted out of IPL-15 because of lack of respect, saying he "wasn't treated properly" in the last couple of years despite doing so much.
The swashbuckling West Indian has been one of the top performers with the bat since the inception of the lucrative league. After stints with Koklata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore, 'the Universe Boss' joined Punjab Kings.
But after enjoying a good 2019 season, when he finished as the sixth highest run-getter in the tournament, Gayle struggled to find a spot in the Punjab playing XI in 2020 and 2021.
Last year, Gayle featured in 10 games and scored 193 runs at a strike rate of 125.32, while in 2020, he played just seven matches and amassed 288 runs.
"For the last couple of years, the way the IPL went about, I felt like I wasn't treated properly," Gayle was quoted as saying by 'mirror.co.uk'.
"So I thought 'okay, you (Gayle) didn't get the respect you deserved after you did so much for the sport and IPL'. So I said 'okay, that's it, I'm not going to bother to enter the draft', so I left it as it is.
"There is always going to be life after cricket so I'm just trying to adapt to normality."
However, the big-hitting Jamaican has also vowed to return to the league next year, adding that he would love to win a title with either RCB or Punjab Kings.
"Next year I'm coming back, they need me! "I've represented three teams in the IPL -- Kolkata, RCB and Punjab.
"Between RCB and Punjab, I would love to get a title, with one of those two teams. I had a great stint with RCB where I was more successful within the IPL, and Punjab, they've been good.
"I love to explore and I love challenges so let's see what happens."
In 142 IPL matches, Gayle amassed 4,965 runs. The 42-year-old also holds the record for the highest individual score in IPL history -- 175 -- against Pune Warriors in 2013.
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Attacks on Christians contradict PM's message of harmony, visit to church: Gehlot
Jaipur (PTI): Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday expressed concern over the reported attacks and disruptions in prayer gatherings of the Christian community in different parts of the country, saying such incidents were "worrying and condemnable".
In a post on X, Gehlot said that while the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was visiting a church and giving a message of peace and harmony, news of attacks on members of the Christian community from various regions reflected a serious contradiction.
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"Symbolic gestures would not be enough, and strict legal action was required against those spreading hatred," the senior Congress leader said.
He added that Indian culture has always upheld the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", where every citizen has full freedom to practise their faith.
Gehlot urged the Centre and state governments to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no citizen is forced to celebrate their festival under fear.
