My Apologies If This Has Upset Anyone: Dale Steyn Apologizes For His 'PSL Is More Rewarding Than IPL' Comment

Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn found himself in the firing line after his comments comparing the Indian Premier League [IPL] with Pakistan Super League [PSL] and other T20 leagues went viral on social media.

The champion pacer has now taken to his official Twitter account to clarify his statement. Steyn, who is currently representing Quetta Gladiators in the PSL, recently gave an interview to ‘Cricket Pakistan’ where he was asked about the reasons behind him opting-out from the 14th season of the IPL.

Dale Steyn, who featured for the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2020, had announced earlier this year that he will not be taking part in the upcoming season of the cash-rich league.

Steyn responded by saying that PSL and other T20 Leagues are more rewarding than the IPL as cricket sort of takes a backseat when it comes to the latter.

“I wanted some time off. I found that playing in these other leagues was slightly more rewarding as a player. I think when you go to IPL, there are such big squads and so many big names and so much emphasis on maybe the amount of money players earn and everything like that, so sometimes, somewhere down the line, cricket gets forgotten,” said Steyn to Cricket Pakistan.

“When you come to like a PSL or the Sri Lankan Premier League, for that matter, there is an importance on the cricket. I have only been here for a couple of days and I have had people in and out of my room, just wanting to know about where I have played and how I went about it. Whereas, when I go to something like the IPL that gets forgotten and the main topic is how much money did you go for in this IPL? That’s just me being brutally honest. I wanted to stay away from that and really put more emphasis on playing and bringing good vibes to good cricket teams and tournaments I feel are worth it,” he added.

 

Dale Steyn’s comments caused a huge furore on social media with Indian fans lambasting the former South African cricketer. Steyn, on Wednesday, took to his official Twitter account to clarify his words.

Steyn said that IPL has been amazing for his career and that his words were never intended towards degrading, insulting or comparing leagues. The Proteas cricketer proceeded to apologize to those who got upset by his statement.

”IPL has been nothing short of amazing in my career, as well as other players too. My words were never intended to be degrading, insulting, or comparing of any leagues. Social media and words out of context can often do that. My apologies if this has upset anyone.
Much love.” wrote Dale Steyn.

Also Read: Report: Australia Could Be Out Of WTC Final Following ICC’s Decision To Bring Forward Cricket South Africa’s Complaint

Watch Dale Steyn’s tweet here:

IPL has been nothing short of amazing in my career, as well as other players too.

My words were never intended to be degrading, insulting, or comparing of any leagues.
Social media and words out of context can often do that.

My apologies if this has upset anyone.
Much love

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) March 3, 2021