Dubai: In a major blow to the Punjab Kings, their star player Chris Gayle has decided to pull out of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 due to ‘bubble fatigue’ ahead of PBKS crucial match against KKR tonight at 7.30PM.
The team has released a statement in this concern on Thursday. This came as a shock for his fans. Soon, the cricketer was trending on social media. Since IPL’s resumption in the UAE Gayle had played two games for the team and now wants to refresh before the start of the T20 World Cup beginning next month.
In a statement released, Gayle said that staying in a protected environment has taken a toll on him. “Over the last few months, I have been a part of the CWI bubble, CPL bubble followed by the IPL bubble, and I wish to mentally recharge and refresh myself,” said Gayle in a statement issued by Punjab Kings.
“I want to refocus on helping the West Indies in the T20 World Cup and would like to take a break in Dubai. My thanks to the Punjab Kings for giving me the time off. My wishes and hopes are with the squad always. All the very best for the games coming up,” said Gayle.
Punjab’s head coach Anil Kumble said the team respects his decision.
“I’ve played against Chris and have coached him at Punjab Kings and all through the years I’ve known him he has always been an absolute professional and we as a team respect his decision and desire to prepare himself for the T20 World Cup,” said Kumble.
Gayle is not the first player to pull of IPL 2021. Dawid Malan, Chris Woakes, Jonny Bairstow, Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler also decided to pull out of the tournament due to various reasons.
