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Gayle's behaviour admonished by BBL, CA

Melbourne Renegades opener Chris Gayle's conduct during interview deemed 'disrespectful and simply inappropriate'

Cricket Australia has condemned the actions of Melbourne Renegades batsman Chris Gayle towards Network Ten journalist, Mel McLaughlin.

Gayle was interviewed by McLaughlin following his dismissal in tonight's KFC Big Bash League clash against Hobart Hurricanes at Blundstone Arena, where he suggested the pair "should go out for a drink" after the match was over.

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Gayle's uncomfortable and awkward advances where swiftly defused by McLaughlin, with the Jamaican then telling the reporter "don't blush, baby".

Anthony Everard, Head of the BBL, who was in Hobart, says Gayle’s actions have no place in the league or the sport in general.

"I heard Chris’s comments and they’re disrespectful and simply inappropriate," Everard said.

"We’ll certainly be talking to him and the Renegades about it. This league is all about its appeal to kids, families and females.

"There's just no place in the BBL – or, for that matter, cricket anywhere – for that sort of behaviour."

Renegades chief executive, Stuart Coventry, supported Everard's view in regards to his opening batsman’s behaviour tonight.

"I heard Chris’s comments and we agree with both Cricket Australia and Channel 10 that they’re disrespectful and simply inappropriate," Coventry said.

"We’ll certainly be talking to him in association with Cricket Australia about it.

"The Melbourne Renegades is all about its appeal to kids, families and females.

"There’s just no place for that sort of behaviour."

McLaughlin's colleague, Mark Howard, told viewers that that Gayle went too far soon after the interview went to air (watch below).

Former England cricketer Andrew Flintoff, who also has a role with Channel 10's BBL team, praised McLaughlin for the way she handled herself.

And journalist and bigbash.com.au columnist Angela Pippos also posted a message on Twitter soon after watching the interview, empathising with McLaughlin.