Chris Gayle linked with Big Bash return despite his controversial 'don't blush baby' remarks earlier this year 

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Chris Gayle may yet be back at the Big Bash next winter - despite the furore he caused in a controversial broadcast interview during the latest edition of Australia's Twenty20 tournament.

The big-hitting West Indies batsman caused a stir in January when his response to a question from reporter Mel McLaughlin was to ask if she would like to have a drink with him. He then added: 'Don't blush, baby.'

The unfavourable reaction from pundits cast a cloud over Gayle's prospects of playing in the Big Bash again.

Chris Gayle (right) caused a storm with his controversial comments in an interview with Mel McLaughlin (left)

The big hitting batsman told McLaughlin: 'Don't blush, baby' with the reaction seemingly ruining his chances of returning to Australia

But the door appears ajar at least, after Melbourne Renegades coach David Saker said on Wednesday there is 'still a chance' of Gayle returning.

Saker, speaking after Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland recently clarified that no BBL franchise would be prevented from signing the 36-year-old, told Fairfax Media factors such as the controversy over Gayle's interview would not affect his judgement on whether to re-sign him.

'That doesn't enter my mind, I just pick a squad of players,' said the former England bowling coach.

'If the hierarchies or people in higher positions than myself come down on that, they do.

'All I try to do is pick a squad to win.'

But the door has been left ajar with the Melbourne Renegades saying Gayle could still return to play for them

Reflecting on Gayle's remarks four months ago, Saker added: 'We know it was the wrong thing to do, and he probably identified that quite quickly.

'We all did. But I think what happened afterwards was a bit of a 'beat-up'. We really want women in sport, and I think in Australia we're embracing that quite well.

'Mel (McLaughlin) does a fantastic job with what she does. We know it was wrong, but a lot of people put their two bobs-worth in that probably didn't need to.'

Gayle, who has been badly out of form since his brilliant ICC World Twenty20 century against England in March and will play for Somerset in this summer's NatWest Blast, has reportedly recently named his new-born daughter 'Blush'.

The Renegades, meanwhile, have to decide whether Gayle fits the bill for them - or whether they would prefer to sign a bowler.

Saker said: 'We probably need an overseas bowler.

'We're looking at whether to go down that track or to recruit a bowler from inside Australia. So we're going through whether we need to re-sign Chris Gayle.'