West Indies opener Chris Gayle might be playing his last match of World Cup career in the team’s last league match against Afghanistan at Headingley, but the explosive batsman has changed his mind on retirement from international cricket. Earlier, the southpaw had stated that he will end his international career after playing a test match against India next February but took a U-Turn on his decision before the game against Afghanistan in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Chris Gayle Plays His Last World Cup Match! Watch 'Universe Boss' in Action During AFG vs WI, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Game.

In an interview with cricketworldcup.com, Gayle stated that he is willing to carry on "as long as possible" after a conversation with West Indies skipper Jason Holder.  Gayle said that “I was actually thinking about it (plans after the World Cup) for a long time now. After I made the statement, the captain Holder came and said, "Chris, if you are serious, that would be the greatest thing to happen to have you in our dressing room’ and that kind of gave me a big boost as well,”When Rihanna Met Chris Gayle During West Indies' Match Against Sri Lanka, 'Universe Boss' Gifted Pop Singer a Signed Bat.

Goodbye Chris Gayle | Universe Boss on His Post-CWC Future | ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

This is the second instance in 10 days time when Chris Gayle changed his mind on international retirement. Before the start of the tournament, Gayle said that the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 will be his last match in West Indies jersey but one week ago, he said that he would like to end his international career after playing a test match against India next year.

The left-handed batsman shocked one and all with his constant 'change of mind'. Former West Indies Cricketer Curtly Ambrose has labeled Chris Gayle’s plans to play on as “utter nonsense”, urging the opener to bow out of world cricket after the World Cup as he had announced earlier.

The "Universe Boss" has been a great entertainer and has entertained one with his flamboyant nature. The 39-year-old has a staggering international record and is a legend of the game, especially the shorter format. In the 13 ODIs this year, Gayle has tallied 659 runs at an average of 59.9 with two hundreds and four fifties with a top-score of 162 against England.

However, West Indies had a poor World Cup and are out of the semi-final race. Gayle was also not at his best and couldn't help West Indies improve their poor performance. West Indies will play their last league match and would like to give a winning send-off to the 'Universe Boss'.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 04, 2019 05:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).