Australian all-rounder Shane Watson is disappointed with the relocation of the Indian Premier League to South Africa as it will deny him a chance to play the Twenty20 event in front of passionate spectators in India.
"It's extremely sad the IPL won't be held in India. It is a beautiful country and the people there are absolutely fanatical about cricket. I think it will definitely be slightly different," said Watson.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India decided to shift the cash-rich event out of India after its government refused to assure adequate security to the tournament, dates of which were clashing with the general elections in the country.
The 27-year-old cricketer, who was named the competition's best player in 2008 after helping the unfancied Rajasthan Royals clinch the inaugural trophy, hopes the shifting will not disturb the spirit of the tournament.
"But it's still going to be an amazing tournament as it was last year."
Watson, who was immediately recalled to the Australian one-day side after last year's IPL, again aims to use the tournament as a springboard to come back into the international arena.
"The IPL's again come at the right time of my career to get back on the track," Watson told Fox Sports News.
