WICB: Gayle Could be in Breach

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) made it clear Jamaican opener Chris Gayle could be in breach of the eligibility rule because he never received formal permission from the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) to miss the Carib Beer Cup final.

The board said it was awaiting a report from Gayle before making a final decision on his eligibility but, from all indications, the left-hander will be left out of the squad for the Test series against Australia.

"The WICB has obtained legal advice to ensure that the right procedure is followed in determining whether Gayle is in breach of the eligibility rule," the board said in a statement.

The WICB said it had received a report from the JCA and was waiting for word from Gayle, presumably to prove he had gotten formal permission before it makes a final ruling.

"In deciding on a review, the WICB considered that, on the face of it, Gayle could be in breach of the eligibility rule," the board said. It cited a section of the rule, which states: "A player becomes eligible for selection to the Senior West Indies team when he makes himself available for selection to his national side in a competition immediately preceding the selection of a West Indies team for an international series."

"In his written report, the JCA President, Jackie Hendriks, stated: "I am not aware that any formal permission was given by the JCA for Gayle to miss the Final."