WEST INDIES star Chris Gayle will take legal action against Fairfax Media over reports he indecently exposed himself to a woman last year.

Gayle has retained the services of high-profile lawyer Mark O’Brien.

“Cricketer Chris Gayle has strongly denied the allegations first published by Fairfax Media that he indecently exposed himself to a woman during last year’s World Cup in Sydney,” Gayle’s management told Fox Sports in a statement.

“Despite such denials, Fairfax Media continues to publish the false and defamatory allegations which have received widespread republication in media throughout the world.

“As a result, Chris Gayle has retained Mark O’Brien, a leading Australian media lawyer, to immediately commence defamation proceedings against Fairfax Media.”

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Melbourne Renegades’ star recruit Chris Gayle. Picture: Ellen Smith. Source: News Corp Australia

The Fairfax reports, relating to an alleged incident that took place during the 2015 Cricket World Cup in Australia, came on the same day it was claimed Cricket Australia is seriously looking at the option of banning Gayle from returning to play in the Big Bash League next year.

The head of the Big Bash, Anthony Everard, confirmed to Fox Sports that this is a legitimate option.

The moves come as the furore over Gayle’s comments to Channel 10 reporter Mel McLaughlin continues to snowball.

The superstar batsman was fined $10,000 by his franchise, Melbourne Renegades, after his awkward interview with McLaughlin created global headlines following the Renegades’ win over Hobart Hurricanes on Monday night.