West Indian batsman Chris Gayle has left the 2019 edition of the Mzansi Super League with a self-indulgent rant this week.

Gayle struck just 47 runs in five innings for the Jozi Stars before celebrating a characteristically brisk half-century in the sixth on Sunday. However, the Stars lost the match – Gayle’s last of this year’s MSL.

‘As soon as I don’t perform for two or three games, then Chris Gayle is the burden for the team,’ said Gayle, who has played for several T20 franchises around the world.

‘I’m not talking for this team only. This is something I’ve analysed over the years playing franchise cricket. I’m 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’m not going to get respect. People don’t remember what you have done for them. I don’t get respect.’

‘Chris Gayle never get no respect. Once Chris Gayle fails, it’s the end of his career, he is no good, he is the worst player and all these other things. I’ve generally overcome these things and I expect these things and I have lived with these things.’

The Stars are the reigning champions, after beating the Cape Town Blitz in last year’s final. But they’ve since suffered six consecutive defeats, all but ending the title defence.

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