Chris Gayle: A look back at the controversial history of the West Indian

Chris Gayle, who seems to be in the news for all the wrong reasons these days, has sparked off yet another controversy. With the "blush gate" still fresh in everyone's mind, there are reports emerging that he has made inappropriate lewd comments to another female journalist in a British publication.

Big Bash League side Melbourne Renegades have confirmed that they will not be renewing the swashbuckling opener’s contract in light of the new controversy.

Gayle has hit the headlines time and again for his off-the-field controversies this year. In this article, we look at the list of events that unfolded in Gayle’s life ever since that contentious interview at the Big Bash League match in Australia.

1. Gayle asks out Channel Ten journalist Mel McLaughlin

Gayle had courted controversies during this year's Big Bash league in Australia when he was charged for playfully flirting with the Channel Ten anchor Mel McLaughlin on Live Television during a match interview. Gayle had said "don't blush baby" during the interview which was admonished by Melbourne Renegades and Cricket Australia, and Gayle was fined AUD 10,000 for his inappropriate behavior.

His behavior then was deemed extremely casual by fellow male and female journalists alike. Gayle who dismissed his comments as a ‘simple joke’ faced the wrath of the media for his sexist attitude. He felt the entire episode was blown out of proportion and has publicly criticised those who criticised him for his behaviour.

2. Fairfax media allegations

Just after the ‘Blushgate’, Fairfax media alleged that Gayle indecently exposed himself to a woman in Sydney during the 2015 World Cup. Gayle denied these allegations and planned to sue Fairfax for defamation.

Fairfax claimed this incident took place in the dressing room during a practise session of the West Indies. The lady in question was a massage therapist who was allegedly propositioned by Gayle. Gayle claimed that his reputation was tarnished due to this deliberate ‘smear campaign’ by Fairfax media.

Chris Gayle has made more headlines due to his off-field antics than his on-field heroics

3. Gayle names his baby girl Blush

Gayle became the father of a baby girl recently. He named his daughter Blush sparking speculations that he named her after the infamous BBL controversy.

Gayle, who was criticized before for his sexist behaviour sparked off another controversy after following the naming of his daughter, especially in light of the Mel McLaughlin controversy earlier this year at the Big Bash League.

Many felt fatherhood would change the 36-year-old but with the Time magazine reports emerging one can be rest assured that Gayle has stirred up a massive debate that will take some time to die down. However, in the same interview with Time, Gayle revealed that his daughter's name was Crisalina and not Blush.

4. Times Magazine, Edwardes Interview controversy

Let’s talk about the recent controversy now. This episode apparently took place when the West Indian was interviewed by Edwardes for the Time Magazine where he officially spoke about homophobia, sex, and female equality. The female journalist also claimed that Gayle asked her how many black men she’d ‘had’ before.

His alleged statements were filled with sexual undertones when he said that he has a ‘very very big bat’ and that the journalist would ‘need two hands to lift it’. The journalist has claimed that Gayle spoke to her about sex and was curious about her previous sexual encounters.

Edwardes also claims that the Jamaican had asked her whether she dyes her hair while lowering her eyes downwards. In the interview, Gayle was quoted making sexist remarks like “Women should please their man. When he comes home, food is on the table. Serious. You ask your husband what he likes and then you make it.”

Christopher Henry Gayle must realize that women, who are working in the domain of sports need to be respected for the work they are doing. He has been an extremely successful cricketer and one of the greatest entertainers this game has seen. His fans would want their hero to concentrate solely on his game rather than stoke unwanted controversies that can potentially hamper his career as well as reputation.