Piers Morgan apologized to Alastair Cook: why the journalist called him a 'nut'.

Piers Morgan's Apology

According to The Sun: Piers Morgan, journalist and television host, finally apologized to the legend of English cricket, Sir Alastair Cook, for the derogatory term 'nut'.

Morgan used this term towards Cook 38 times since the Ashes series in 2013/14 in Australia.

The Situation with Kevin Pietersen

England suffered a 5-0 defeat in the series, and Kevin Pietersen was removed from the team by a 'unanimous decision' of the cricket management.

This outstanding player was excluded from the team and never played again, despite his previous successes.

Former England captain Andrew Strauss banned Pietersen's return in 2015 due to 'serious trust issues'.

Morgan, 60, was furious about this decision and blamed not only the management but particularly Cook.

He believed they had 'ruined' Pietersen's career and stated that 'hell would freeze over' before he apologized.

The journalist constantly mocked Cook on social media, calling him 'boringly bland' and 'Captain Nut'.

Cook, 40, ended his career in 2018, becoming England's top scorer with 12,472 runs in 161 test matches.

Joe Root surpassed him in October 2024, currently having 13,543 runs, ranking second in history behind Sachin Tendulkar (15,921).

Apology on 'Stick to Cricket'

Morgan apologized to the legendary batsman in an episode of 'Stick to Cricket'.

He also admitted that he had gone too far in his insults towards Cook.

“The real victims were English cricket fans, who would have liked to see five more years of Kevin Pietersen's performances. I felt that his absence from the team after the age of 33 should have been managed better,” Morgan said.

“But I must admit that I was very emotional in my comments about you, Alastair, even though I don't know you personally.”

“So I will take this opportunity to apologize for the 38 instances of using the term 'nut'.

Morgan used this term 38 times, and in 2014 he even called Cook a 'disgusting little nut' because of his stance on Pietersen.

When asked about this comment, he ironically noted: 'With a new understanding, I would like to apologize. Before the nuts.'

One of his hardest critics was his statement after Cook's retirement in 2018.

Cook ended his career with 147 runs - this was his 33rd century - in a match against India at The Oval.

Morgan added: “I cannot forgive Cook for what I believe ruined Pietersen's career in England. He bored me to tears as a batsman, often failing to score crucial runs in tests, and it's strange that he never looked tired.”

However, he admitted that Cook gave his all for England and played many important matches.

Now that they have sorted out their relationship, Morgan received a response regarding Pietersen's dismissal.

“I was involved in the decision that KP no longer played. Do I regret it? You make decisions because you believe it is right for English cricket at that time,” Cook emphasized.

“Right or wrong, I know one thing: it was poorly handled by both sides.”

Morgan's apology suggests that the conflict between him and Cook is starting to ease, and it may open a new chapter in their relationship. The public eagerly watches how this story unfolds, as it highlights the importance of mutual respect even among esteemed figures in sports.