Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland believes widespread condemnation of Chris Gayle over his 'inappropriate' comments to a television presenter are an indication of how far cricket has progressed in attitudes toward women.
Sutherland described West Indian superstar Gayle's "don't blush baby" sideline comments to Channel Ten presenter Mel McLaughlin on a live broadcast as a "pretty significant mis-hit" and "not cool".
He said the controversy was also a reminder of the role women have in the game.
"Sometimes these sorts of things are a great reminder to all of us about where cricket is at and the giant strides that cricket is making," Sutherland said.
"I'm pleased to see the public response to say these comments are not acceptable, we certainly echo those thoughts and comments.
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"Cricket is a sport for men and women, boys and girls and in recent times we have made huge strides to ensure that."
Sutherland said Gayle comments were unacceptable.
"Those comments are completely out of line and inappropriate and something we don't in any way condone and there's no place in cricket, the Big Bash League for those sorts of comments," he said.
"I don't think anyone should be put in the position Mel McLaughlin was put in. It's not a nightclub.
"Those sorts of comments border on harassment and are completely inappropriate in cricket and inappropriate in the workplace."
Sutherland said he found nothing funny about the situation.
"Anyone that sees the humour in that is misunderstanding it and somewhat delusional about the situation," Sutherland said.
It's very, very public. It just goes to show the point about how inappropriate and just not cool that is."
