Chris Gayle to bid adieu in ODIs after WC2019

Veteran West Indies batsman Chris Gayle has announced that he will retire from one-day international cricket after the World Cup slated to be held in England and Wales later this year.

"Yes, I'm looking to draw the line after the World Cup," he said.

"Or should I say cut the string? Definitely, in 50-over cricket, the World Cup is the end for me. I'll let the youngsters have some fun and I can sit back in the party stand and watch them have some fun," Gayle was quoted by ESPNCricinfo as saying while speaking to reporters.

Asked whether he was content with his career, the 39-year-old explosive batsman remarked, "You're looking at a great man. I'm the greatest player in the world. Of course, I'm still the Universe Boss. That will never change. I'll take that to the grave."

Gayle said that if West Indies lifted the trophy in this year's World Cup, it would be a "fairy-tale finish" for him.

"Winning the World Cup would be a fairy-tale finish. The youngsters owe it to me to win. They have to do that for me and try and get me the trophy. I'll be looking to put my input in as well," he added.

The World Cup is slated to be held from May 30 to July 14.

Gayle, who made his debut back in 1999, has scored 9,727 ODI runs in 284 matches and is second only to former West Indies captain Brian Lara who amassed 10,405 runs.