Royal Challengers Bangalore head coach Simon Katich is receptive to this year’s edition of the Indian Premier League being played in South Africa or Australia.

The 2020 IPL has been suspended indefinitely amid travel bans and other strict measures from the Indian government during the coronavirus pandemic.

Previous editions of the tournament have been held outside India. It was played entirely in South Africa in 2009. In 2014, the opening 20 fixtures were played in the United Arab Emirates.

‘Whether it would be in Australia or elsewhere, that’s an interesting topic of conversation,’ Katich told SEN Radio.

‘There would be a few teams – us in particular at RCB – we’d be very happy for it to be played abroad, because a number of our overseas players are Australian and South African, who really would enjoy these conditions in Australia. It would be interesting to see if that would eventuate but obviously it’s one of many scenarios that’s being discussed.’

Bangalore have former Proteas captain AB de Villiers. They have also purchased South African all-rounder Chris Morris. Fast bowler Dale Steyn is also in the squad, alongside Australian trio Kane Richardson, Josh Philippe and Aaron Finch.

‘It’s obviously the biggest T20 tournament in the world and the people there love their cricket. But I think they’re also realistic to know that they have to sit tight and wait like everyone else in the world, and ride this out however long that takes,’ added Katich.

‘There is a huge economic side to this in terms of what the IPL generates, not only for the Indian economy but also for the franchises as well, and for the Board of Control for Cricket in India. I guess the thing that has to be weighed up is there’s probably a little bit of a difference in terms of the IPL.’

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