Chris Gayle intent on playing until aged 45: "A lot of people still want to see Chris Gayle out there"

The West Indies batsman is also targetting the T20 World Cup but has gone 10 months since last playing the format for his country

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World cricket has been placed on notice by Chris Gayle after the West Indies ace revealed his desire to play until he is 45.

The self-professed 'Universe Boss' has embarked on his latest franchise cricket outing with Chattogram Challengers in the Bangladesh Premier League - a competition he had initially indicated he wanted to skip.

Gayle struck a typically breezy 23 from 10 deliveries on his maiden appearance, which followed a spell of six weeks away from cricket which included turning down a recall to play for his country against India.

After returning amid plenty of fanfare, Gayle appears to have a fresh enthusiasm for the sport and believes there is a clamour for him to stick around.

"A lot of people still want to see Chris Gayle out there in the middle," said the 40-year-old.

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"I still have that love for the game and that passion for the game as well. And I would love to carry on as long as possible.

"Even in franchise cricket, I am still playing a few games here and there around the globe because I still feel I have a lot to offer. The body is feeling good. And I am sure I am getting younger as days go on.

"Forty-five is a good number. Yeah, we can target 45. Let's target 45, that's a good number."

After seemingly making his final 50-over World Cup outing in the 2019 showcase, Gayle could be set for his bow in the T20 edition later this year after suggesting the door remains "open" for an international return.

"It'd be nice. It's open, the door's open for a chance," Gayle said. "We'll see what happens. We have some bright youngsters ahead of you as well. I will leave the options open to hear back from [the selectors]."

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