Chris Gayle draws flak for 'Don't blush, baby' comment

Chris Gayle has come under severe criticism, online and otherwise, for openly asking out a TV presenter in his post-innings interview during Melbourne Renegades' Big Bash League encounter against Hobart Hurricanes on Monday (January 4).

After contributing a quickfire 41 off 15 balls to Renegades' chase of 141, Gayle, on his way back to the dugout, was requested for an interview by Channel 10 reporter Mel McLaughlin. The interview, being telecast live, quickly went off track when the West Indies' star asked the journalist if she would like to join him for a drink later. Even before McLaughlin had a chance to reply, Gayle added, rather cheekily, "don't blush, baby."

McLaughlin brushed off the proposal with a rather stern reply, "I'm not blushing", before Gayle laughed the incident off.

After the game, the BBL chief Anthony Everard issued an official statement saying that Gayle's comments were "disrespectful and simply inappropriate".

Twitterati didn't take Gayle's behaviour lightly either.

The channel, Ten Sport, too came under severe criticism after a tweet from its official account described Gayle's approach as 'smooth'. The thrashing forced the media giant to take the tweet off but the damage had already been done.

After a lot of online bashing, Ten Sport made a U-turn rather quickly, tweeting:

You go, girl!