Chris Gayle hits political rumours for six

Amid simmering chatter that cricket legend Chris Gayle could be the next big name to enter the political arena, the 'Universe Boss' has moved to put the rumours to rest -- delivering a straight bat response that leaves no room for doubt.

The former West Indies captain, known for his explosive batting and larger-than-life personality, has dismissed as mere "rumours" the swirling talk that he is being courted as a surprise candidate in the upcoming general election. Reports have been making the rounds that one of the country's two major political parties is aggressively pursuing the hard-hitting left-hander, hoping to see him run for a seat in Jamaica's Parliament. But in an exclusive interview with THE WEEKEND STAR, Gayle made it clear that politics is not on his radar.

"Rather than going into politics, I will continue to spend my time on my passion in the sport of cricket and music," Gayle declared.

Gayle, who was born and raised in Rollington Town, east Kingston, did not reveal whether he has a preference for the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) or the Opposition People's National Party (PNP).

"We, as athletes and entertainers, have a certain responsibility to use our influence in a positive manner. Therefore, certain opinions I keep private, especially in a volatile political climate, so I never publicly show allegiance to any political party," Gayle said.

Instead of political rallies, Gayle is doubling down on his two major passions -- cricket and music.

"I will continue to be an ambassador for cricket and have a positive impact on the next generation of cricketers. My Triple Century Records studio is up and running, with my producer, Camar, in the lab working on something new. I am also about to be featured on a new album from Contractor Music, which has Chris Brown, Julian Marley, Shatta Wale, and new artistes like Kali Ranks and Fyah George," Gayle revealed.

It is not unusual for sporting stars to transition into politics, with several Jamaican athletes moving from the field of play into the political arena. Double Olympic silver medallist Juliet Cuthbert Flynn is currently serving her second term as member of parliament for St Andrew West Rural, having successfully contested elections in both 2016 and 2020 for the JLP. Interestingly, her victory in 2016 came at the expense of another sporting figure -- Paul Buchanan, a former national cricketer, who held the seat for one term, from 2011 to 2016.

Former West Indies vice-captain Wavell Hinds has also entered politics. He is the PNP's standard-bearer for Clarendon North. Hinds previously contested Hanover Eastern in the 2020 general election but fell short. Darren Powell, another West Indies veteran, has had his fair share of political battles. After serving as councillor for the Malvern Division in the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, Powell made an unsuccessful bid for Parliament in St Elizabeth North West in 2016. Powell later switched allegiance from the PNP to the JLP.

The late Olympian Herb McKenley and former national footballer Allie McNab unsuccessfully contested parliamentary elections for the JLP.