IPL 2021: Big blow to Punjab Kings as this star player pulls out of remainder of the tournament

West Indies and Punjab Kings (PBKS) star batter Chris Gayle has puled out of the remaining part of the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to bubble fatigue. Gayle, who has been in bio-bubbles since June this year first with the West Indies team for the home season (including 14 T20Is against Australia, South Africa and Pakistan) and then the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and now the IPL, wants to take some time off and refresh for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Gayle exited the team's bio-bubble on Thursday and will be taking some time off staying in Dubai before he gears up to play for the Kieron Pollard-led West Indies side in the T20 World Cup which will beheld in the UAE and Oman.

Punjab Kings announced the same late Thursday night and mentioned in the statement that they fully respect Gayle's decision and wished him luck for the big event.

"Punjab Kings as a franchise completely understand and back Chris Gayle’s decision to pull out of the 2021 VIVO Indian Premier League. The team respects the cricketer’s wishes and will continue to support Gayle in every way possible, going forward. The franchise would also like to wish the Universe Boss all the very best for the forthcoming T20 World Cup," the franchise said in a statement.

#PBKS respects and supports the decision of @henrygayle.

Wishing him all the success for the upcoming #T20WorldCup!#SaddaPunjab #IPL2021 #PunjabKings https://t.co/QmTqhd8w6k

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) September 30, 2021

Talking about the decision, the 42-year old said, "Over the last few months, I have been a part of the CWI bubble, CPL bubble followed by the IPL bubble, and I wish to mentally recharge and refresh myself. I want to refocus on helping the West Indies in the T20 World Cup and would like to take a break in Dubai. My thanks to the Punjab Kings for giving me the time off. My wishes and hopes are with the squad always. All the very best for the upcoming games."

UPDATE 

Chris Gayle will not be a part of the PBKS squad for the remainder of #IPL2021! #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/vHfyEeMOOJ

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) September 30, 2021

The decision means PBKS will now have seven overseas players to choose from for their remaining three games of the season.