Chris Gayle ... threatened with "drastic and immediate action" by the WICB. - file

LONDON, England, CMC

Chris Gayle has been reprimanded by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), after he failed to retract his statements in the media criticising the regional governing body about the way they have handled some arrangements for the tour of England.

Gayle last week condemned the WICB's handling of his appointment as captain, and for the travel arrangements for three players joining the team for the imminent two Twenty20 and three One-day Internationals.

This drew a sharp reaction from the WICB, and on Monday, the left-handed opening batsman was called to a meeting with WICB President Ken Gordon, who is in Britain for an International Cricket Council board meeting, and team manager Mike Findlay to discuss his statements.

"In the circumstances, the WICB has issued a very strongly worded letter of reprimand to Mr. Gayle advising him that his conduct is totally unacceptable and that the WICB will pursue this matter at the end of the tour," a news release from the WICB said.

"The WICB is hopeful that notwithstanding his unwillingness to apologise, Mr. Gayle will understand the seriousness of his actions and avoid any further statements or behaviour that will force the WICB to take drastic and immediate action against him."

Ken Gordon, West Indies Cricket Board president. - file

The WICB observed during the meeting that Gayle appeared to understand that his statement was ill-advised and had caused unnecessary embarrassment to the regional body.

"Of greater concern to the WICB is that the recent statement made by Mr. Gayle was preceded by an earlier outburst for which he had been cautioned," the news release added.

The WICB also disclosed that Gayle was made fully aware of the true circumstances surrounding the two matters.

"Mr. Gayle was requested to issue a public apology to the WICB for his unfortunate and ill-advised statement, and he was allowed some time to consider the request," the news release said.

"He subsequently advised the President and team manager that he was not prepared to apologise."