Gayle set for derby as WICB investigate

Chris Gayle is set to play for the Renegades in Saturday night's Melbourne derby against the Stars but his future involvement in the KFC Big Bash League could hinge on a West Indies Cricket Board investigation into claims of improper behaviour during last year's World Cup.

Gayle and his club have been facing heavy pressure since the Jamaican's now infamous boundary-side interview with Network Ten BBL reporter Mel McLaughlin that senior cricket officials in Australia have described as "inappropriate" and bordering on workplace harassment.

In the wake of the interview, for which Gayle offered a qualified apology, subsequent allegations have arisen from female reporters in Australia who claim to have endured similar experiences when interviewing Gayle.

WATCH: Gayle addresses the media at Melbourne airport 

And Fairfax Media has reported that a report was made to West Indies team management during last year's ICC World Cup when a female tournament employee claimed that Gayle had partially exposed himself to her when she entered the team's dressing room during a training session.

The West Indies Cricket Board has reportedly claimed it has not received any formal complaint about Gayle who does not hold a WICB contract having quit Test cricket in 2014, but was part of the West Indies World Cup ODI squad last year and has recently represented them in T20 internationals.

Moving on: McLaughlin accepts Gayle apology

But it is believed that now the matter has been raised in a public forum, it will be addressed in a report to be filed by West Indies team manager Sir Richie Richardson who was also with the squad during the World Cup campaign.

Gayle launched defamation proceedings against Fairfax Media on Thursday afternoon, according to a report by News Limited. 

"Chris Gayle has retained Mark O’Brien, a leading Australian media lawyer, to immediately commence defamation proceedings against Fairfax Media," the player's management were quoted as saying by News.

The Melbourne Renegades will not announce their squad for Saturday's match against the Stars until tomorrow afternoon, but a spokesperson confirmed Gayle was available for selection. The Renegades are expecting a full house at Etihad Stadium after 80,883 filled the MCG for a match between the same opponents on January 2.

Outcomes from the WICB investigation may also impact on Gayle's capacity to compete at future ICC tournaments such as the upcoming World T20 that begins in India in March, even though the ICC has claimed it will not be investigating the World Cup allegation as it has received no formal complaint.

Angela Pippos: It's about decency and respect

Gayle yesterday denied that allegation, and his management group released a statement that foreshadowed they would take legal action against anyone who aired unproved allegations against the 36-year-old Jamaican.

"Chris denies the allegations published by Fairfax Media," the statement issued by Insignia Sports International yesterday reads.

"It is important that anyone seeking to make false accusations against Chris be aware that Chris and his management will be considering all rights and legal options available.

"There will be no further comment from Chris or his management at this stage."

However, it is understood that the Fairfax allegations have escalated concerns among CA and BBL officials that the publicity surrounding Gayle's on-air comments during Monday night's match between the Renegades and the Hurricanes in Hobart is damaging to the competition.

WATCH: Gayle 'not cool' says Sutherland

Gayle, who no longer plays Test or ODI cricket but is a roving T20 bat for hire and has previously represented the Sydney Thunder and Western Australia (when it was a state-based competition) in the BBL, is the Renegades second-highest run-scorer in BBL|05.

With 155 runs at a strike rate of 142 from his five matches in BBL|05, Gayle sits behind captain Aaron Finch (246) but his team sits sixth on the eight-franchise ladder with two wins.

A loss to cross-town rivals the Stars at Etihad Stadium on Saturday will further dent the Renegades hopes of making the competition play-offs.

A Melbourne Renegades spokesperson said the club would not be making any further comment on the issue.

WATCH: Mark Howard responds to Gayle's comments

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