Brendon McCullum, the former New Zealand captain and newly appointed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach, is missing the "carnage of IPL" as the league's 13th edition remains under suspension because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But McCullum also said it is quite comforting to be at home with his family at a time when the safety of the livelihood and isolation have become everyone's priority.
"It's a far cry from the carnage of the IPL and also in India but it's quite nice and comforting to be at home under these circumstances. I was quite busy in the last three years," the 38-year-old told tvnz.co.nz.
After his retirement from international cricket in 2016, McCullum had shifted base to Matamata, a town in the shadow of the Kaimai Range Mountains on New Zealand's North Island, to look after his horse syndicate business, Vermair.
He is also using this as an opportunity to work on his passion, apart from trying his hands at brewing. "Racing here in New Zealand has stopped which is a bit disappointing but it's the right decision," McCullum said. "Over in Australia, it's still going on and they think they will be able to operate in safe surrounds and that's good for our point of view."
"I have 12 horses in the property, probably little more than I need to. Little bit of extracurricular activities at home."
McCullum also denied going out to an Irish pub during this lockdown period as was recently reported. "I definitely wasn't there," he said. "I prefer to drink in the comforts of my home. I invite very very special people to taste my home-brewed stuff."
The IPL 2020 was postponed by the BCCI to until at least April 15 because of the deadly outbreak, which threatens to lead to its further suspension, with the cases of people testing positive only growing in number in India, making it impossible for now to safely resume the on-field play.
(Inputs from PTI)