Chris Gayle has apologised to a female journalist after asking her out for a drink in a live television interview during a Big Bash League (BBL) game.
Channel 10 reporter Mel McLaughlin was speaking to Gayle during Melbourne Renegades' victory over Hobart Hurricanes when he suggested they should go out at the end of the match.
Gayle's comments were branded "disrespectful and simply inappropriate" by head of the BBL Anthony Everard and there was a widespread backlash on social media.
And the former West Indies captain has now offered a full apology to McLaughlin - although he insists he meant no offence.
"A lot of things have flared up from a simple comment, a joke, a simple joke on air and it seemed to go out of proportion," Gayle said at a press conference at Melbourne Airport.
"There wasn't anything at all meant to be disrespectful or offensive to Mel and if she felt that way, I'm really sorry for that.
"There wasn't any harm meant in that particular way to any particular person like that.
"There wasn't any harm done, I'll leave it at that. I'm sorry for that, we'll have to move on."
Gayle has also been fined 10,000 Australian dollars (£4,900) by Melbourne Renegades.
Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said Gayle "got it badly wrong" and claimed his comments "bordered on harassment".
"It's not a nightclub it's actually a workplace," he said. "It's Chris Gayle's workplace and it's Mel McLaughlin's workplace and those comments border on harassment and are inappropriate for cricket and inappropriate for the workplace.
"We are working incredibly hard to ensure cricket is a sport for all Australians men and women, boys and girls and we just won't tolerate behavior that undermines that."
Melbourne Renegades CEO Stuart Coventry said in a statement on the club website: "Chris' comments were completely inappropriate and disrespectful. There is simply no place for these type of comments at the Melbourne Renegades.
"The club would like to extend a formal apology to Mel McLaughlin. Mel is an outstanding sports presenter. We think of her very highly and the club and players will ensure we work with her in a professional and respectful manner in future.
"As a result of his comments, the Renegades have fined Chris $10,000 for inappropriate conduct. The club will subsequently donate this amount to the McGrath Foundation in recognition of Jane McGrath day today."