Universe boss to cut string after World Cup

Chris Gayle will retire after 2019 mega event

Swashbuckling left-handed batsman Chris Gayle has announced that he will retire from One Day International cricket (ODI) after the World Cup slated to be held in England and Wales later this year.

"Yes, I'm looking to draw the line after the World Cup," he said. "Or should I say cut the string? Definitely, in 50-over cricket, the World Cup is the end for me. I'll let the youngsters have some fun and I can sit back in the party stand and watch them have some fun," said Gayle to a section of media

Asked whether he was satisfied with his career, the 39year-old explosive batsman remarked, "You're looking at a great man. I'm the greatest player in the world. Of course, I'm still the Universe Boss. That will never change. I'll take that to the grave."

Gayle said that if West Indies lifted the trophy in this year's World Cup, it would be a fairy-tale finish for him.

"Winning the World Cup would be a fairy-tale finish. The youngsters owe it to me to win. They have to do that for me and try and get me the trophy. I'll be looking to put my input in as well," he added.

The World Cup is slated to be held from May 30 to July 14.

Making himself available for T20s, Gayle said that he is interested in playing in the inaugural '100-ball' competition in 2020 initiated by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

"I guess England should invite me over. Then I'll explode the tournament and say 'thank you guys; bring in a youngster now.' I'll set the trend like I did in all tournaments around the world," he added.