"It is always an honour to represent the West Indies in any format and this World Cup for me is special. As a senior player it is my responsibility to support the captain and everyone else in the team," the 39-year-old batsman said in a statement released by Cricket West Indies on late Monday.
Gayle admitted that as a senior there will be more expectations from him. "This will probably be the biggest World Cup, so there will be great expectations and I know we will do very well for the people of the West Indies," the seasoned batsman added.Gayle, who is taking part in the 12th edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League, is missing out from the tri-nation series that West Indies are playing in Ireland.
Meanwhile, Shai Hope, wicket-keeper-batsman, was named as the deputy to Holder for the tri-nation series which started on Sunday and runs until May 18.
"It's a tremendous honour to be appointed vice captain for this series here in Ireland. Ahead of this tournament I was asked to take on this role and I was happy to accept. Anything I'm asked to do for West Indies cricket I'm always happy and willing to put my hand up, so this is great," the 25-year-old said.
In the series opener, West Indies defeated Ireland by 196 runs at the Clontarf Ground, Dublin, Ireland. Hope made 170 in his 50th appearance and added a record opening stand of 365 with John Campbell " who scored 179 " his maiden international century. Now, the Caribbean team will take on Bangladesh on Tuesday.
