Watson admitted the second edition of the IPL couldn’t help but lack the same dazzling atmosphere after being shifted to South Africa due to security reasons.

The Australian all-rounder believed the competition, starting on April 18, would still be well organised in South Africa but doubted it would boast the same huge crowds or fanatical interest as in India.

“I think it will definitely be slightly different,” Watson told Fox Sports.

“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.

“But it’s still going to be an amazing tournament as it was last year. *

“It’s going to be interesting to see how it’s all going to come together in a couple of weeks.”

Watson was named the competition’s best player in 2008 after starring with both the bat and the ball for the unfancied Rajasthan Royals who snared the inaugural trophy.

Now the Shane Warne-led Royals and the seven other Indian franchises will be based in different South African cities as the tournament is likely to streamlined from six weeks to five and include double-headers.

The Republic beat England to the hosting rights due to several factors, including weather, finances, television rights and the speedy issuing of more than 1000 visas.

Rain is less likely to affect matches in South Africa during the tournament period and with a dollar worth almost 10 rand it is an attractive option financially.

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 back into the international arena.

A strong Ashes candidate, the injury-plagued 27-year-old, who is overcoming back stress fractures, will return to the bowling crease midway through the competition.

“The IPL’s again come at the right time of my career to get back on the track,” he said.

The Queenslander also confirmed he was close to finalising a move to NSW for next season’s domestic competition for lifestyle reasons.

Watson, whose partner is Sydney-based sports presenter Lee Furlong, commuted from Sydney to Brisbane to play for the Bulls this season.
Source – news.com.au