Gibbs to don commentator's hat during 2011 WC?

Johannesburg:

His participation in next year's World Cup is all but over after losing his contract with Cricket South Africa, but Herschelle Gibbs may still be seen in action during the mega-event in the sub-continent, this time as a commentator.

Gibbs' agent, Donne Commins said that the controversial South African opener is in talks with with several international broadcasters, including an Indian channel for the job.

"(Gibbs) has received several offers and we are busy weighing them up against his desire to play for the (provincial side) Cape Cobras in the Pro20 series," Commins was quoted as saying by the Afrikaans daily Beeld newspaper.

Beeld writer Altus Momberg said, "It will be strange to see Gibbs as a commentator. His bat has done the talking in the past, but after he showed a willingness to reveal secrets in his autobiography, it's probably believed that he could provide entertaining commentary."

Gibbs and CSA have mutually agreed to end the cricketer's contract last Friday in the wake of his controversial book in which he disclosed sex, drugs and alcohol binges of some South African players.

Gibbs is still facing possible legal action by some former teammates and even the CSA as it awaits legal advice on the book.

But Gibbs' World Cup plans may be scuppered by his possible participation in the local Pro20 series, for which he has been given the go-ahead by CSA.

The series clashes with the first half of the World Cup from February 19 to April 2 next year.

Cape Cobras chief executive Andre Odendaal said he would meet with Gibbs later this week and discuss on the matter.

"We want to talk to Herschelle (Gibbs) as soon as possible to find out exactly what his situation is," Odendaal said.