Dale Steyn: My comments were never intended to insult IPL

Dale Steyn apologises for his comments on the Indian Premier League which he said may have been taken out of context.

Dale Steyn celebrates the dismissal of Kolkata Knight Riders' Chris Lynn during an IPL contest in April, 2019. Steyn was released by RCB after he announced in January he was opting out of the IPL this year. - K. R DEEPAK

Fast bowler Dale Steyn on Wednesday apologised for his criticism of the Indian Premier League, saying he never intended to degrade or insult the tournament. The 37-year-old veteran fast bowler said his statement that cricket is sometimes forgotten amid all the money talk in the IPL was taken out of context on social media.

"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," Steyn tweeted.

"My apologies if this has upset anyone."

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Steyn's apology came after he claimed that money was given more importance than the game in the IPL. He said this was one of the reasons why he had not featured regularly in the event.

 

"I think when you go to the 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," Steyn, who was part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad in the last IPL held in the UAE, stated.

In January this year, Steyn announced that he is opting out of the IPL 2021 but will play other leagues around the world.

Steyn's decision led to RCB releasing him ahead of the auction.