Chris Gayle confirmed to the Jamaica Gleaner that he will not take part in this year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL), after the record-breaking left-hander opted out of the tournament due to personal reasons.

The ‘Universe Boss’ who was set to turn out for the St. Lucia Zouks, sent a last-minute email to the Zouks franchise informing them that he will not be available, instead, he will be spending time with his family who he has not seen in a while since the lockdown due to the coronavirus.

The news has come as a big blow to the St. Lucia Zouks franchise, which acquired Gayle as their franchise player after his acrimonious break up with the Jamaica Tallawahs.

The latest development will now see the Zouks getting the likely first pick in Wednesday’s CPL draft, which will be held online.

The tournament this year is scheduled to take place in Trinidad & Tobago from August 18 until September 10 subject to permission from the local government.