Amid speculations over both the tournaments, David Warner said he would definitely turn up to captain Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 if it replaces T20 World Cup in the calendar and Australian government permits international travel.
The IPL's 13th edition, originally due to be held from March 29, remains indefinitely postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. But the 16-team T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place from October 18 to November 15, is facing greater uncertainty, given the logistical challenges posed by the pandemic.
"Look, there has been a lot of talk about the T20 World Cup being postponed, the challenges around getting every single nation that participates in the World Cup into Australia, given the fact that we have the quarantine for 14 days," Warner said on India Today's show 'inspiration'.
"Nevertheless, making sure we are restricting the chances of a COVID-19 outbreak back into Australia. Those restrictions are in place with the Australian government at the moment. We have to obviously abide by those rules and obviously, we await the decision from the ICC."
The ICC has been deferring a final call on the T20 World Cup, with the latest date of meeting and discussions on the showpiece event left to July.
A clearer picture on that will obviously allow the Indian cricket board (BCCI) to start planning around a new window for IPL 2020. However, for any cricket tournament to safely take place here, the pandemic will have to be brought under significant control, which isn't the case at the moment.
"If it is unlikely if the (T20) World Cup can't go ahead, then I am very sure and positive that we will be able to come and play in the IPL if that replaces the World Cup schedule," said Warner.
"If that permits us from Cricket Australia giving the go-ahead to go over there, I am sure we will put our hands up and come and play cricket which at the end of the day is what we love."
"Look, most definitely all the players who have been selected and picked in the auction will put their hand up if we are permitted. One we have to get government clearance as well to travel," added the 33-year-old.
"If Cricket Australia allows us to go over there and participate, I am sure the guys will definitely be on board with that to be back up and running and playing cricket again."
(Inputs from India Today)
