West Indies batsman Chris Gayle will retire from ODI cricket after this year’s World Cup in the United Kingdom.

Gayle has struck 9,727 runs in ODI cricket – and will be afforded the chance to become the 14th player to gather 10,000 against England later this month.

‘Yes, I’m looking to draw the line after the World Cup. 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.

‘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.’

The hard-hitting 39-year-old has played 284 ODIs, 53 as captain, and became renowned as a globetrotting Twenty20 cricketer. He has played in the Indian Premier League, Australia’s Big Bash League, South Africa’s Mzansi Super League, Pakistan Super League, Bangladesh Premier League and several other domestic T20 competitions around the world.

He, like former South African batsman AB de Villiers, has expressed an interest in participating in The Hundred – the England and Wales Cricket Board’s new limited-overs tournament.

‘If I don’t start it, it won’t be a tournament. 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,’ added Gayle.

‘I’m in good condition. The body is feeling good and I’m pleased with that. I’ve lost a bit of weight and I don’t want to get too big. I’m still working on my six pack. I’m trying to keep up with the youngsters in the field who are like cats the way they chase the ball. I still have it in me and I’m still enjoying it.’

Photo: Gallo