Chris Gayle has come under fire from former England cricket captain Andrew Flintoff for his controversial sideline interview with female reporter Mel McLaughlin.
The giant West Indian was interviewed by Channel 10's McLaughlin after making 41 off 15 balls during a Big Bash League game in Hobart on Monday night.
"Hopefully we can win this game and you and I can have a drink after," Gayle told the reporter.
Gayle said his dismissal allowed him to "come to this interview to see you".
"That's the reason why I'm here, just to see your eyes for the first time," he said.
"Hopefully we can win this game and have a drink after. Don't blush baby."
Flintoff was one of many who criticised the West Indian star's off-field performance.
"Well played @Mel_Mclaughlin !! Big fan of @henrygayle but made himself look a bit of a chop there," Flintoff tweeted.
AFL star Patrick Dangerfield also took to social media to condemn the powerful Jamaican's comments.
"Well done @networkten and @MarkHoward03 following up on gayles pathetic interview with @Mel_Mclaughlin #notfunny #21stcentury #classactmel," Dangerfield tweeted.
Speaking during the broadcast, Channel 10 commentator Mark Howard said Gayle's remarks were "not appropriate", adding he "probably went a bit too far".
"Mel's a very strong woman and an independent woman and I know she wouldn't have enjoyed it," he said.
"It needs to be said at some point that that's not what we're about at Network 10."
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