I will definitely play the IPL if T20 World Cup is postponed: David Warner

There has been a lot of conjecture around the fate of the T20 World Cup. Earlier this month, Cricket Australia chairman, Earl Eddings, admitted that Australia's plans to host the T20 World Cup look bleak at this point in time.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, David Warner claimed that he will definitely take part in the Indian Premier League if the T20 World Cup is postponed. 

"If the 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," Warner stated. 

The International Cricket Council [ICC] has stalled the verdict on the fate of the tournament until next month. The 7th edition of the T20 World Cup is originally scheduled to begin from October 18 to November 15.

The southpaw believes that it will be extremely challenging to squeeze in 15 teams across the country, taking into consideration that the teams will have to be quarantined for a period of 14 days. David Warner said that the key objective would be to contain the virus in Australia by staying true and adhering to the protocols established by the government. "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. 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." 

David Warner explained that the Australian contingent will undoubtedly be happy to participate in the IPL, subject to clearance from Cricket Australia. "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." 

The opener spoke about Australia's next red-ball assignment against India. Warner feels it's going to be a challenge to play against a formidable Indian outfit. "It would be very surreal playing against India without the crowd. I want to be selected and be part of that series. Last time we were not bad but we were beaten by a good team and their bowling was relentless. Now, India has got the best batting line up and our bowlers will like to target and the Indian crowd will be eager to see that." 

The 33-year-old also indicated that he would abstain from indulging in banter with Virat Kohli, as the Indian skipper would take that to his advantage. 

"Virat Kohli is not a person to be poked and no point poking the bear," Warner admitted.