Gayle exits Big Bash with social media rant

Even after setting a new Big Bash League record for clubbing a half-century from just a dozen balls faced, Chris Gayle has kept on swinging by taking aim at former England skipper Andrew Flintoff and ex-Australia Test opener Chris Rogers.

In the wake of his tumultuous tenure with the Melbourne Renegades, during which the Jamaican was fined $10,000 for making "inappropriate remarks" during a live television interview, Gayle took to social media platform Instagram today to settle a few scores.

And while he chose not to dwell further on the interview with Network TEN sports reporter Mel McLaughlin that the Renegades deemed "disrespectful", the 36-year-old didn't hold back in his assessment of former players who shared the BBL franchise's view of his conduct.

"The real ppl (people) who stand by Gayle worldwide through the so call BS against me in the media, Thank You!," Gayle posted in social media-speak on his Instagram account this afternoon shortly after the release of a more measured, conciliatory interview with him on the Renegades website.

"To the MEDIA, Thank You all so! (sic)

"The Haters, I Thank you even more," he added with a high-10 celebration emoji.

"I think a lot of past and present cricketers who smile in front my face could've have there (sic) say In the public when my so call issue was going on, but y'all don't have the BALLs to stand firm when it matters.

"But yet when u see me you're like, Chris that's BS against you, it was blown out of proportion.

Adding "smh" – social media speak for "shaking my head", Gayle added "Don't tell me, tell the media and public!

"The past cricketer who say I make myself look like a chop, the other who claim I was no good to the youngsters while playing for the thunder, the next one who said he expect that sort of behavior from Chris - Y'all can kiss my 'Black Rass'."

The past cricketer to whom Gayle referred in his rant was doubtless Flintoff, employed as a Network TEN commentator for the BBL and who posted the following message on Twitter shortly after Gayle's interview by McLaughlin was aired.

As for the identity of the person that Gayle mentioned who "claim I was no good to the youngsters while playing the (Sydney) thunder", it can be safely assumed it was Rogers who opened the batting with Gayle several times while they were teammates at the Sydney franchise in BBL|02.

In his role as a radio commentator with ABC Grandstand when the Gayle controversy erupted earlier this month, Rogers offered a blunt assessment of the former West Indies Test star's attitude and behaviour as he observed it when they briefly played in the same team.

"I would go out with him (Gayle) socially or in a group, as you do in a team, and I'd probably distance myself from him," Rogers recounted during commentary at the rain-affected New Year Test in Sydney.

WATCH: Melbourne Renegades interview Chris Gayle

"I was very wary of the role he was setting for the younger guys, and I spoke to them quite a bit about it – 'do you think this is good behaviour, would you do this kind of thing?'

"And all of them, all the young guys to give them credit were like 'No, we don't think this is right'.

"This is a pattern of behaviour. If you know the guy, you see it over and over."

In his Instagram post, which he used to thank supporters including outspoken UK media identity Piers Morgan and CEO of bat manufacturer Spartan Kunal Sharma who had presented him with a gold-coloured bat for his BBL appearances, Gayle talked up his reputation as a drawcard.

"I build leagues around the world and Big Bash is one of them," he wrote, adding a winking face emoji.

"Give the ppl what they want.

"I love Australia and I will be back again even for the (three beer emojis) oi oi.

"Ppl think I may have played my last innings in Aus but my memory with the fans will live on forever!!"

WATCH: Gayle equals T20 record with Renegades

But in the course of his editorial and throughout the almost 12-minute interview with the Renegades, Gayle gave no firm commitment to wanting to return to play in future iterations of the BBL.

Or, indeed, if he has received any indication that he will be sought by the Renegades or other BBL franchises next season or beyond.

"Definitely, I've always got a soft side for Australia," Gayle told the Renegades' website when asked if he would return to Australia.

"The fans here have been very supportive. They've been really, really tremendous. (There's) never been a harsh comment, it's been very, very positive from the fans point of view.

"Respect has been unbelievable. Apart from India, Australia is the next place where Chris Gayle can really be that forefront, upfront person wherever you go.

"Hospitality has been fantastic. Felt like I was at home.  Everyone make sure Chris Gayle is fine, is okay.

"We don't know what the future holds but I really enjoyed it on and off the field.

"You might have hiccups here and there but these things do happen as a professional sportsman.

"But overall it's been fantastic and much appreciated to be part of the Melbourne Renegades team.

"The fans, big thanks to you, hopefully get a chance to entertain you again. If not, also enjoy and entertain you off the field."

WATCH: McLaughlin accepts Gayle apology 

However, Gayle did cast doubt on the level of involvement he will have in the upcoming Pakistan Super League T20 competition to be staged in Dubai due to the ongoing back ailment for which he underwent surgery late last year.

"I have the Pakistan League in Dubai coming up in a couple of weeks," Gayle told the Renegades website.

"See how my back go regarding that because I have to look after my back at some stage, but I'm definitely looking to start the tournament for sure.

"Hopefully I can kick on, we have the (T20) World Cup coming up as well which is a big thing, and then the IPL as well.

"I'll try to get my preparation right and look after myself and I can give even more out there on the field in the middle."