Chris Gayle likely to play farewell match as Jamaica to host WI-IRE series

West Indies will play three ODIs and a T20I against Ireland from January 8 to 16 at Sabina Park

PHOTO COURTESY: ICC

Chris Gayle may play the farewell match of his international career after Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced details of the Ireland tour in Jamaica.

The Caribbean side will play three ODIs and a T20I against Ireland from January 8 to 16 at Sabina Park. According to ESPNCricinfo, there's a possibility that a T20I fixture might be used as a farewell match for Gayle.

The 42-year-old said after West Indies was knocked out from the group stage of the T20 World Cup last month that he had played the final game in a major ICC tournament but hoped that CWI would give him a farewell match at his home ground.

The decision might be finalized at the next meeting of CWI's board of directors later this month.

CWI's CEO Johnny Grave had also backed the idea of providing Gayle with his last match in front of the Jamaican crowd.

"It's whether collectively we all feel that it's appropriate for him to have one last game at home to say farewell in a one-off game," Grave told the Mason and Guest radio show in Barbados last month. "That Ireland series would represent that opportunity."

"It would certainly be appropriate, as far as I can see it, to treat our players and allow them to bow out - especially players like Chris who have had unbelievable careers and won trophies for the West Indies."

On the other hand, Ireland will travel to the Caribbean on December 31, immediately after their series against the USA which starts on December 22 and comprises two T20Is and three ODIs. They have already named their squads for both tours,