Steyn's comment on IPL garnered strong reactions from the Indian fans on social media.
Steyn recently said that T20 leagues like Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Lanka Premier League (LPL) are more rewarding as a cricketer than IPL, garnering strong reactions from the Indian fans on social media.
See Also: Twitterverse reacts to Dale Steyn saying PSL is more rewarding as a cricketer than IPL
However, Steyn has now clarified, stating that his words were taken out of context.
“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,” he tweeted.
The Proteas speedster also expressed apology for hurting anyone’s sentiment unintentionally with his remarks.
“My apologies if this has upset anyone. Much love,” Steyn further wrote.
In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, Steyn, who is playing for Quetta Gladiators in the ongoing PSL, revealed the reason for skipping the upcoming IPL 2021. Notably, he was released by Royal Challengers Bangalore after a poor IPL 2020.
“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,” Steyn said.
“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 further remarked.
Steyn has played for franchises such as Deccan Chargers, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Lions, and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, taking 97 wickets from 95 games with the best figures of 3/8.