SYDNEY: West Indies star Chris Gayle's attempt to chat up a female presenter live on Australian television has been branded "disrespectful" and "inappropriate".
Ten Network reporter Mel McLaughlin found herself being asked out for a drink during an interview with the burly opener after he blasted 41 runs off 15 balls for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League late Monday.
Gayle said he was happy to be interviewed by McLaughlin "just to see your eyes for the first time.
"Nice, so hopefully we can win this game and we can have a drink after," he said in the sideline interview.
"Don't blush baby," the Jamaican added, prompting McLaughlin to shake her head and reply, "I'm not blushing."
"Sorry," he added, breaking into a big laugh.
Big Bash League officials did not see the joke and condemned Gayle.
"Just no place in the BBL or, for that matter, cricket anywhere, for that sort of behaviour," said BBL boss Anthony Everard.
"Disrespectful and simply inappropriate," he added.
The Sydney Daily Telegraph said Cricket Australia and the BBL would question Gayle and he could face sanctions.
The attempted flirt lit up social media with former England captain and Ten commentator Andrew Flintoff tweeting, "Big fan of @henrygayle but he made himself look like a bit of a chop there."
Renegades skipper Aaron Finch said the player had apologised to McLaughlin.
"Between Chris and everyone else, they've addressed it ... he's apologised," Finch said.