Chris Gayle might not get a farewell game in front of his home crowd at Sabina Park in Kingston. The Universe Boss was left out of the West Indies squads for limited overs series against Ireland and England, which kick off from January 8 and 23 respectively. 

Gayle’s T20 career, one of the best, is nearing its end. The veteran batsman was rumoured to have played his last game in national colours when West Indies were knocked out of the ICC T20 World Cup. However, the 42-year-old revealed that he will not be retiring from international cricket that soon and wishes to play his farewell game in his hometown in Jamaica.

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Now that he has been dropped out of the side and the Jamaican authorities have announced that fans will not be allowed at sporting events due to COVID-19, Gayle might not get his dream farewell.

The West Indies host Ireland in the three-match International (ODI) Series and a one-off  T20I from January 8 to 16. Eoin Morgan’s England will tour the Barbados from January 22 to 30.

Kieron Pollard, who missed the tour of Pakistan with a hamstring injury sustained during the T20 World Cup, returns to the Windies limited-overs setup.

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“We have tried to maintain the general make-up of the squads from the Pakistan Tour before Christmas, with the captain and some senior players coming back in,” said head coach Phil Simmons.

“COVID-19 has also played a part in the final make-up of the squad. The challenges in the next couple months are getting the young players in both squads to not only improve on their skills but maintain the attitude and desire we saw in Pakistan. We do need to start the year on a high. And we know both Ireland and England have very good teams, so we expect a very strong challenge as we look improve our chances of automatic qualification for the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2023 and building the T20 team for the ICC T20 World Cup in 2022.”

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West Indies squads:

ODIs vs Ireland

Kieron Pollard (captain), Shai Hope (vice-captain), Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas

COVID-19 Reserves:Keacy Carty, Sheldon Cottrell

T20Is vs Ireland and England

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Kieron Pollard (captain), Nicholas Pooran (vice-captain), Fabian Allen (England T20I only), Darren Bravo (England T20Is only), Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Dominic Drakes, Shai Hope, Akel Hosein, Jason Holder, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Hayden Walsh Jr.

COVID-19 Reserves:Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, Devon Thomas