It is my last World Cup unless West Indies give me 2 years of rest: Chris Gayle after win vs Afghanistan

West Indies legend Chris Gayle confirmed that the World Cup 2019 would be his last appearance at the sport's biggest stage after West Indies bowed out of the tournament with a 23-run victory over Afghanistan in Leeds. Gayle scored just 7 on Thursday before coming back to pick the crucial wicket of Ikram Ali Khil to turn the match in his team's favour.

Playing in his 5th World Cup, Gayle told Star Sports that he will still continue to play for West Indies but the ongoing tournament would certainly be his last, adding jokingly 'unless they give me two years of rest and I come back'.

"We have a great bunch, it's for them to uplift West Indies cricket. I'll be around, I may be around for a few more games, will be there for the youngsters. World Cup wasn't to be but life does go on. It is my last World Cup....unless they give me two years of rest and I come back (laughs). Privileged to have been part of another World Cup. I don't intend to put my body on the risk, I've been struggling. This is the last one, definitely," said Gayle

In 34 innings across 5 World Cups, Gayle has scored 1186 runs at a Strike-rate of 90.53 and an average of 35.93. En route he has also bludgeoned 49 sixes, 2 centuries (Highest score - 215) to go along with 16 wickets with his part-time off-spin. Reflecting on his career, Gayle conceded that he really enjoyed representing West Indies but would've 'loved to lift the trophy'.

"Been a privilege and honour to represent West Indies in five WCs, disappointed to end without making it to the final four. Lot has happened behind the scenes to get here and be here, that's fantastic.