Jamaica and West Indies opener Chris Gayle was fined for making inappropriate comments to a female reporter in a live TV interview during a Big Bash League Twenty20 match in Australia yesterday.

After scoring 41 from 15 deliveries for the Melbourne Renegades in a win over the Hobart Hurricanes, the former Windies captain suggested to television reporter Mel McLaughlin that the pair go out for a drink and made remarks about her appearance.

Then Gayle said "Don't blush, baby".  

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland joined the criticism of Gayle's suggestive comments, saying it bordered on harassment and was inappropriate in the workplace.

The Renegades chief executive Stuart Coventry reacted by fining Gayle US$7,300. 

Gayle has since apologised to McLaughlin, but he has defended his comments as a simple joke.