Chris Gayle: No retirement plan as of now, two World Cups to go: Chris Gayle | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: He is 41 years old, but Universe Boss Chris Gayle is in no mood to slow down. Known to give opposition attacks nightmares, the West Indies opener is keen to keep sending bowlers on a leather hunt as he has his eyes set on not just the 2021 T20 World Cup in India, but also the 2022 edition that is to be hosted in Australia.
Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the ‘Ultimate Kricket Challenge (UKC)’, Gayle said that he still sees himself at the crease battling it out with the best in the business for another five years.
“Oh yes, of course, no retirement plan as of now. I believe that I still have five more years, so before 45, no chance. And yes, two more World Cups to go,” he pointed.
A part of the brand new gladiatorial cricket series Ultimate Kricket Challenge (UKC), the Caribbean batsman has stalwarts like Yuvraj Singh, Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell, Kevin Pietersen, and Rashid Khan for the company in Dubai.
First of its kind, this 16-match tournament sees the introduction of new cricket rules in a new one-on-one format. Each match consists of 2 UKC contenders squaring off against each other across four innings of 15 balls each in every match. Two points are awarded for a UKC contender winning a match in the league stage and the UKC contender with more runs at the end of each match is the winner.

Asked how different the concept of playing individually works, Gayle said: “I think it’s a new and exciting concept added to the game of cricket. But like I say, you never know; but at the same time, it’s fantastic in many ways and you can easily relate (to) it…I’m sure everyone will actually get to watch what’s happening pertaining to the UKC, so it’s totally different from what I’m sure you have seen in indoor cricket before.
“And you do know indoor cricket really has a buzz. But in UKC, you will be playing in a cage. Big names are there; and when all this is happening, then everybody would want to know or they will tune in…(When fans) get a hang of it, I’m sure they’re gonna love it.”
Gayle was on fire in the 13th edition of the IPL in UAE as he aggregated 288 runs in just seven innings at an average of 41.14 and a strike rate of 137.14. He hit three fifties, which included a 99, as he made a late start after missing the first few games in the tournament.
Asked if that was a clear sign that age is just a number, Gayle kept it short and sweet. “Oh yes, of course.”