Sabina Park send-off for Gayle?

If everything goes according to plan, Jamaica and West Indies batsman Chris Gayle could very well get his wish of playing his final international match on home soil next year.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) are said to be far advanced in plans to host Ireland for three One-Dday Internationals in the Caribbean with a one-off T20 in late January 2022, and, according to CEO Johnny Grave, that one-off T20 could see the 'Universe Boss' playing his final game in maroon colours at Sabina Park in Jamaica. This would signal an end to an illustrious international career for arguably the greatest T20 batsman of all time.

Speaking on the Mason and Guest radio show in Barbados, Grave said CWI is currently in talks with the Jamaican Government regarding the hosting of the series.

"We know that, in terms of international tournaments, that (T20 World Cup) was the last one. Collectively, we (at CWI) feel it is appropriate for him to have one last game at home, to say farewell; and certainly, the Ireland series would represent that opportunity.

"Whether or not it happens, I do not know, but it would be appropriate, as far as I can see it, to treat our players and give them the opportunity to bow out, especially players like Chris who have had unbelievable careers and won trophies for the West Indies."

After a disappointing exit at the T20 World Cup recently, Gayle mentioned that he was not retiring just yet from the international game and, if possible, he would like to play one more game in front of his home fans to say thank you before officially calling it quits.

When STAR Sports contacted Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) CEO Courtney Francis, he said that the series in Jamaica is very much a possibility, with the entity already applying to the Government for permission to host the series.

Francis, along with personnel from the Ministry of Sport and law enforcement, made a tour of Sabina Park yesterday, doing a walk-through to finalise plans for the upcoming series.

Francis says it would be an honour to host the West Indies and one of the most beloved sons of the soil in what would be a tremendous send-off for the man dubbed the 'Universe Boss'.

"We at the JCA are happy for him (Gayle). He has been a stalwart and a legend of the game and, deservedly, should get some recognition," said Francis.