Chris Gayle Reveals Painful IPL Exit: “Punjab Kings Disrespected Me, I Broke Down”
Chris Gayle, famously known as the “Universe Boss”, has once again hit the headlines — but this time, not for his towering sixes or explosive batting. The West Indian legend has revealed shocking details about the way he was treated during his final days in the Indian Premier League (IPL), particularly with the Punjab Kings franchise. Speaking candidly on a recent podcast with Shubhankar Mishra, Gayle admitted that his IPL career ended on a bitter note, leaving him disheartened and even on the brink of depression.
A Glittering IPL Legacy That Ended Abruptly
Gayle’s numbers in the IPL speak volumes about his dominance. Across 142 matches, he amassed 4,965 runs, including six centuries and 31 half-centuries, while also smashing an unparalleled 357 sixes, a record that still stands tall in the league’s history books. Having represented three franchises — Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings — between 2009 and 2021, Gayle was not only a crowd-puller but also one of the biggest entertainers the tournament had ever seen.
Despite his illustrious career, Gayle’s last IPL appearance came in 2021 against the Mumbai Indians, when he represented Punjab Kings. Midway through the season, he made the stunning decision to walk away, and now, years later, the cricketing world finally knows why.
“I Felt Disrespected at Punjab Kings.”
During the podcast, Gayle did not mince words. He revealed that his treatment at Punjab Kings, then still popularly remembered by fans as Kings XI Punjab, was far from what a senior player of his stature deserved.
“To be honest, I was disrespected at Kings XI Punjab. I wasn’t treated properly as a senior player who had done so much for the league and the franchise. Instead, I was treated like a kid,” Gayle said.
The big-hitting Jamaican admitted this was the first time in his long career that he felt mentally vulnerable. “For the first time in my life, I felt like I was slipping into depression. That’s when I knew I had to walk away.”
Breaking Down in Front of Anil Kumble
The 45-year-old also opened up about a particularly emotional moment with then Punjab Kings coach Anil Kumble. According to Gayle, he had reached a point where the bio-bubble life, combined with the lack of respect he was receiving, was too much to handle.
“I called Anil and told him I was leaving. We were in a bubble at the time, and mentally, I was not in a good place. I told him I could not continue like this. When I explained what I was going through, I actually broke down while speaking to him. It was one of the hardest moments of my career,” Gayle recalled.
Although Punjab skipper KL Rahul reportedly urged him to stay and promised him a spot in the next match, Gayle decided that his well-being came first. “KL even called me and said, ‘Chris, stay, you’ll play the next game.’ But I had already made up my mind. I wished him all the best, packed my bag, and walked out,” he added.
Mental Health Over Money
In his revelation, Gayle highlighted the importance of prioritizing mental health, a subject that is gaining increasing recognition in professional sports.
“Money means nothing if you’re mentally struggling. Your mental health is far more important. At that stage, I just had to take care of myself, even if it meant walking away from the IPL,” Gayle said.
This candid admission sheds light on the darker side of franchise cricket, where players are often judged solely on performance, while their mental well-being is overlooked.
Open for an IPL Return, But Grudges Remain
Interestingly, Gayle did not rule out a possible return to the IPL. He mentioned that he is still available if franchises show interest but admitted that his experience with Punjab Kings left deep scars.
“I was mistreated, no doubt about that. I am available — if they want me, I’ll come. But yes, I do carry grudges. Loyalty means a lot to me,” he confessed.
Given his legendary status and unmatched fan following, Gayle’s comments will undoubtedly spark conversations about how franchises manage senior players and what steps can be taken to ensure greater respect and mental health support within cricket’s most glamorous league.
A Legacy That Cannot Be Diminished
Regardless of the bitter end, Chris Gayle’s contribution to the IPL and global T20 cricket remains untouchable. From his record-breaking 175 not out for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Pune Warriors India in 2013, to his flamboyant celebrations and sheer entertainment value, Gayle has left a legacy that will be cherished for decades.
The Universe Boss may have walked away from the IPL on a low, but his impact on the tournament is etched in history. His revelations, however, are a reminder that even the biggest stars of the game are human and deserve respect and care beyond their performances on the field.
