Veteran West Indies batsman Chris Gayle has taken a break from the game for the rest of the year. The Universe Boss has also said no to play the upcoming three ODIs in India next month and rather wants to focus on his plans for 2020.

“West Indies called me to play ODIs, but I am not going to play,” Gayle was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo following his team Jozi Stars’ defeat in the MSL in South Africa.

“They (selectors) want me to play with the youngsters but for this year I am going to take a break.” Gayle will also not play in the upcoming edition of Big Bash League in Australia.

“I am not going to the Big Bash. I’m not sure what cricket will come up, I don’t even know how my name reached the BPL (Bangladesh league), but I have been drafted in a team and I don’t even know how that happened.” The 40-year old West Indies opener, who played for defending champions Jozi Stars in what was a disastrous MSL campaign for him, scored just 101 runs from six innings. He also lashed out at his critics.

The dynamic Jamaican cricketer hit out at his critics, which (according to him) ranges from ‘players, management, head of management, board members’ of every franchise he has ever played for in the global T20 circuit.

“As soon as I don’t perform for two or three games, then Chris Gayle is the burden for the team.

“I am not talking for this team only. This is something I have analysed over the years playing franchise cricket. Chris Gayle is always a burden if I don’t score runs, two, three, four times.

“It seems like that one particular individual is the burden for the team. And then you will hear bickering. I am not going to get respect. People don’t remember what you have done for them. I don’t get respect,” he added.

West Indies are scheduled to play three T20s and as many ODIs in India starting December 6. He is also unlikely to feature in the T20 games.