Chris Gayle official statements about his retirement

“It’s been a phenomenal career. I didn’t announce any retirement but they give me one game in Jamaica to go in front of my home crowd, then I can say “hey guys, thank you so much.”

“Let’s see,” said Gayle who made his debut in the format in 2006.

“If not, I’ll announce it and then I’ll be joining DJ Bravo in the backend and say thanks to each and everyone but I can’t say that as yet.”

West Indies captain Kieron Pollard said, “end of a generation”.

“We have some guys who have done good things for T20 cricket in our team and around the world. We as people are very proud,” said Pollard.

“DJ (Bravo) has been a benchmark for all players coming through, and Chris, he’s someone I look up to,” said Australia opener David Warner who made an unbeaten 89 on Saturday.

“I’ve been through a lot of struggle,” said Gayle.

“But I’ve had a phenomenal career. I want to give thanks to be standing here today, aged 42 still going strong.

“I’ve shed blood, I’ve shed tears in West Indies cricket, you name it, one leg, one hand.

He added: “It really hurts bad when we lose games and we don’t get the result. I’m gutted inside for the fans, and especially for this World Cup as well.”

“Dwayne was a trailblazer in T20 cricket and set the standard for how the newest format of the game should be played,” said Cricket West Indies president Ricky Skerritt.