New Delhi, Jan. 28: Fears over security and an injured elbow notwithstanding, Aussie pacer Brett Lee on Thursday said he would play in the third edition of the Indian Premier League beginning on March 12.
“We get guided every single day on security by experts. But I feel very proud coming to India and playing with and against the best in the world. I have said it time and again that India is like a second home to me,” said Lee on the sidelines of a promotional event on Thursday.
Concerns had been raised over the Australian cricketers’ participation in the IPL-3 in the wake of threats from Shiv Sena but Lee said he was confident of top-notch security during the T20 event. “It is for the authorities to ensure that everything is okay... (but) I feel very comfortable,” he said.
The Shiv Sena had issued the threat following a spate of attacks on the Indians Down Under. While Lee condoned the attacks on the day, he reckoned that they were not racist in nature. “I know about the current issues and I am saddened by what has happened. As far as racism is concerned, I don’t think that it is the case. Australia is a safe place. We would like Indians to feel as comfortable and as welcome as I feel in India. I can’t be more blunt then that.
“Just like India, we too are a multi-cultural society. We have people of different races living together,” the Kings XI Punjab pacer said. Lee also felt that it would have been great if the Pakistan players had played in IPL-3. “Purely from a cricketing perspective, it would have been great to have them. It would have been good had they come as IPL has so many players from different countries competing on one platform.
“Even the Australians weren’t picked — possibly because not many of them will be available with a Test series happening at that time,” Lee said.
The 33-year-old, who is currently recuperating from an elbow surgery, said that he’ll be fit in time for the showcase event. “I no longer use the brace to support my arm and the movement is also pretty good. I am really positive and at this point, I am definitely on schedule (for the IPL),” the pacer said.
Age Correspondent
