Chris Gayle withdraws from IPL to "mentally refresh" ahead of T20 World Cup

Only six players have played more T20 matches in 2021 than Gayle’s 37, causing the veteran West Indian to spend lengthy periods in bio-bubbles

Chris Gayle has withdrawn from the remainder of the 2021 Indian Premier League to "mentally recharge and refresh" ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Only six players have played more T20 matches this year than Gayle’s 37, with the 42-year-old representing Quetta Gladiators (Pakistan Super League), West Indies, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots (Caribbean Premier League), and Punjab Kings (IPL) in 2021.  

And after spending much of the past few months in various bio-bubbles, he has opted to cut short his stint with the Kings, citing bubble fatigue and his desire to help West Indies retain their World Cup crown.

"Over the last few months, I have been a part of the CWI [Cricket West Indies] bubble, CPL bubble followed by the IPL bubble, and I wish to mentally recharge and refresh myself," Gayle said in a statement.

"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."

Punjab Kings head coach, Anil Kumble, supported the West Indian’s decision, adding: "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."

Gayle has made 10 appearance for the Kings in this season’s IPL, scoring 193 runs at a strike rate of 125.32.

West Indies begin their World Cup campaign against England on October 23.

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