Antigua:West Indies cricketing legend Sir Vivian Richards has rebuffed big-hitter Chris Gayle for saying that he "has no respect" for Curtly Ambrose after the Caribbean fast-bowling great had recently said that "Gayle is definitely not an automatic choice for starting" in the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to commence in the UAE and Oman on October 17.
The fearsome West Indian pace bowler of yore, Ambrose had recently pointed out Gayle's lack of form as he prepares for the T20 World Cup. This year, the 'Universe Boss' has just scored 227 runs in 16 T20Is, averaging 17.46.
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"For me, Gayle is definitely not an automatic choice for starting," Ambrose had said on a radio show in Barbados. "When you look at his exploits over the last 18 months, he has struggled not only for the West Indies, but other T20 franchises. The few home series we played, he hasn't had any scores of significance."
An angry Gayle shot back, saying, "When I just joined the team, I looked up to this man (Ambrose). But I am now speaking from my heart. I don't know what, since he retired, what he had against Chris Gayle. Those negative things he has been saying within the press, I don't know if he is looking for attention, but he is getting the attention. So, I am just giving back the attention which he requires and which he needs. I can tell you personally, and you can let him know that Chris Gayle, the Universe Boss, have no respect for Curtly Ambrose whatsoever."