Gayle makes himself available for West Indies

New Delhi: Former West Indies captain Chris Gayle has scrapped his deal with English county Somerset and made himself available for the national team, indicating his year-long stand-off with the West Indies Cricket Board could be over.

Gayle, currently playing in the Indian Premier League for Royal Challengers Bangalore, said he is committed to West Indies cricket and told Somerset that he will not be honouring the contract.

He has informed the West Indies selectors he will be available for the one-day series in England after the IPL.

"I wish to advise that I have written to Somerset CCC and advised them that I will not be honouring the commitment I made to them when I signed a contract with them for the 2012 Friends Provident Championship," a Gayle statement said.

"I made it clear to them that my decision was made because of my commitment to West Indies cricket and to West Indies cricket fans, and because: ...I believe that it is time for the WICB to make a decision which will provide a clearer view of my own future.

"I understand that, by making this decision, it may place me in a position of considerable risk, since I am foregoing a signed contract, without any guarantees whatsoever, with only the hope that I will be selected to play for the West Indies again.

"I have now satisfied all of the requests of the WICB and their selection panel, with whom I met via teleconference yesterday, and to whom I reiterated previous assurances given to the Board regarding my availability.

"So that there is no doubt, I confirmed to the selectors that I was available for West Indies duty in all forms of cricket, immediately following the conclusion of my contractual obligations to my IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore.

"This has been a difficult time and I wish to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me, my family and friends, and in particular cricket fans worldwide who have continued to show appreciation for me wherever I have played. I look forward to once again putting on the maroon, and resuming my international career and my service to West Indies cricket."

Gayle last played for the West Indies in last year's World Cup, before falling out with the WICB after he criticised coach Ottis Gibson in a radio interview.