The St Lucia Zouks have confirmed that Chris Gayle has opted out of the CPL, 24 hours before the 2020 Draft is scheduled to take place.

According to reports in Gayle, in an email to the St Lucia Zouks indicated that because of the pandemic lockdown, he was not able to see his family and his young child who are in St Kitts while he has been in Jamaica. He said he needed a break and wanted to spend time with his young family.

Sue Monplaisir of the Zouks explained that the franchise holders would be working hard to ensure that they get the right replacement for the Universe Boss considered the best T20 batsman on the planet. She said the franchise would issue a full statement on the matter soon.

Gayle had signed with the St Lucia Zouks in April after being released by the Jamaica Tallawahs.