Cricket anchor Mandira Bedi opposes potential Chris Gayle ban

Sports presenters Mandira Bedi gave her views on the Chris Gayle controversy with sports presenter Mel McLaughlin during the Big Bash League (BBL). She criticised Chris Gayle for his inappropriate behaviour with a lady television presenter during a sideline interview in Australia. But she also believes that banning the West Indian from international cricket would be an extreme step.

Gayle was criticised by one and all recently for making inappropriate remarks to the presenter live on air after a BBL game.

The Jamaican plays for the Melbourne Renegades in the T20 competition. He was speaking to Channel 10 presenter Mel McLaughlin.

Gayle told McLaughlin, “I wanted to come and have an interview with you as well, that's the reason why I’m here. To see your eyes for the first time.” The big-hitter also promptly added, “Hopefully we win this game and we can have a drink after, don't blush baby.”

Former Australian captain Ian Chappell called for a worldwide ban on Gayle after the incident took place.

There were also reports that Gayle had exposed himself to a female reporter in the team dressing room during the ICC World Cup 2015 in Australia.

Mandira Bedi is a very familiar face among cricket fans in India. She was an instant hit as presenter when she presented the 2003 World Cup to the Indian television audiences. She concurred that Gayle's comments were disrespectful.

Bedi said, "Chris Gayle has always been known to be a rather irreverent person. Having said that, I don't know, I think there is a time and place if he wants to ask her out. Doing that on air is a little bit disrespectful.”

But she also added, "Complimenting somebody. I don't think there is something wrong with that, but asking somebody out, it belittles what she herself is there for. Whatever your equation you might have off camera, it is a separate thing. I don't think it is very polite and respectful asking someone out during an interview. It is disrespectful to do that on air, but a ban on him would be a bit extreme.”