London, Mar, .23 : Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has expressed his unhappiness over the shifting of the Indian Premier League (IPL) from India to South Africa.

Watson, who was the player of the tournament in the IPL's first season, said the shift would affect people's participation.

"It''s extremely sad the IPL won''t be held in India. It is a beautiful country and the people there are absolutely fanatical about cricket. It''s going to be interesting to see how it''s all going to come together in a couple of weeks," Fox Sports quoted Watson, as saying.

Watson expressed the hope that he would force his way back in to the Aussie national squad after the IPL as was the case last time when he was recalled immediately by the selectors following his brilliant show for the Rajasthan Royals which saw the underdogs winning the title.

"The IPL''s again come at the right time of my career to get back on the track," Watson said.

He also confirmed reports that he was close to finalising a deal with New South Wales for next season''s domestic competition. (ANI)