A day after saying cricket gets forgotten in IPL, Dale Steyn apologises
New Delhi: South Africa pace great Dale Steyn on Wednesday apologised for his criticism of the Indian Premier League, saying he never intended to "degrade or insult" the world's biggest franchise-based T20 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 in 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."
Steyn's apology came after he claimed on the sidelines of the Pakistan Super League 6, where he is representing Quetta Gladiators, that money is given more importance than the game in the IPL.
Steyn had said that 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, had 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.
Steyn played 95 IPL matches, picking up 97 wickets with a best of 3 for 8. But the South African's repeated injury breakdowns didn't help his cause and he featured in just 12 IPL matches in the last three seasons.
IPL has been nothing short of amazing in my career, as well as other players too.
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) March 3, 2021
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
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Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul: Boxing legend and YouTube sensation collide in historic bout
Texas: In a matchup that has captured the attention of fans worldwide, boxing icon Mike Tyson will face YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a highly anticipated bout. The event, marks Tyson’s first professional fight in nearly two decades.
The fight will take place on Friday night at the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, and will be streamed globally via Netflix, offering the event to over 280 million subscribers without additional charge.
The unusual matchup, rooted in an unlikely friendship, has been promoted with growing friction between the two fighters. At recent promotional events, Jake Paul was met with boos, which he brushed off by acknowledging Tyson’s enduring fanbase.
"I’m the new kid on the block, the disrupter, the loud mouth. Naturally, people want to root against me, and that’s great for the sport of boxing,” Paul expressed.
Tyson, the former undisputed heavyweight champion, last fought professionally in 2005 before returning to the ring for an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020. After overcoming a health setback from a stomach ulcer, the 58-year-old shed 26 pounds, and was cleared by doctors to fight weeks ago.
Despite concerns about his age and physical condition, Tyson is eager for the challenge. “I'm having a good time in my life, and I don't have much time left, so I'm making the best of it," he said.
The bout will consist of eight rounds of two minutes each and both fighters will wear heavier gloves to educe the impact of punches.
