After Pulling Out Of IPL 2021, Dale Steyn Enters PSL 2021 Draft

South African speedster, Dale Steyn has surprised his fans by entering himself in the draft for the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) just a week after announcing that he has pulled out of the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to take “some time off”.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday (January 8) announced the schedule of the 6th edition of the HBL PSL. The tournament will commence on 20 February in Karachi and the IPL is expected to take place in April in India.

Title defenders, Karachi Kings will take on the 2019 champions, Quetta Gladiators in the opening fixture of PSL 2021. The final will be hosted by Lahore on 22nd March.

The legendary pacer has been placed in the platinum category along with other T20 superstars such as Carlos Brathwaite, Chris Gayle, and Dawid Malan. Steyn played for Islamabad United in PSL 2020. He flew back home ahead of the playoffs due to the sudden covid-19 outbreak.

I’m not retired: Dale Steyn

Steyn, as great as he has been for the last decade, was clearly on his wane during the IPL 2020. While playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), once the most intimidating fast bowler of his generation, Steyn was hammered to all parts of the ground – he returned with just a solitary wicket in 3 matches and leaked runs at an economy of 11..40; only better than Umesh Yadav in the RCB squad.

The 37-year-old retired from Test cricket in 2019 – after becoming South Africa’s leading wicket-taker with 439 scalps – but rarely makes himself available for the limited-overs matches; he last played a T20I in February 2020.

However, Dale Steyn is eyeing the T20 World Cup slated for later in the year in India as the seamer himself confirmed that he is not retiring at the moment.

“I will be playing in other leagues, nicely spaced out to give myself a opportunity to do something’s I’ve been excited about as well as continue to play the game I love so much. NO, I’m NOT retired,” tweeted Dale Steyn.

Cricket tweet ?

Just a short message to let everyone know that I’ve made myself unavailable for RCB at this years IPL, I’m also not planning on playing for another team, just taking some time off during that period.

Thank you to RCB for understanding.

No I’m not retired. ?

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->2<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

I will be playing in other leagues, nicely spaced out to give myself a opportunity to do something’s I’ve been excited about as well as continue to play the game I love so much.

NO, I’m NOT retired. ?

Here’s to a great 2021 ?

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->2<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

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