Echoing the master batsman, his teammates Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir and L Balaji also expressed disappointment with the BCCI's decision as it will deny them a chance to play in front of home crowd.

“It is disappointing that the IPL has been moved out of India. We will certainly miss playing in front of our supporters. It won't be the same,” Tendulkar said.

“Obviously the Indian public would have liked to have the IPL played in India. Due to certain circumstances it is difficult. I'm sure the authorities must have tried, but it is not workable. That is the reason it is not in India. I guess we have no choice at this moment,” said the champion batsman.

“It is obviously going to be different. In India it is about home games and away games. Right now, looking at the itinerary, either in England or South Africa, everything is going to be an away game. It really doesn't matter where you play everything is going to be an away game,” he said.

The BCCI took the surprise decision on Sunday after the government told the organisers that it may not be possible to provide adequate security during the 45-day event due to general election in the country.

Tendulkar said it was a great feeling to play the matches in home and away basis in the inaugural edition of the event.

“It is always fantastic to have Indian fans away from India. Support in any part of the world is always welcome.

Virtually wherever we go we have got a lot of Indian support and that is something that has been a strength for us.

“It is always nice to play in front of your supporters.

But I guess we can't help it this time around,” he said.

However, the Mumbai cricketer said the decision did not surprise him as the schedule of IPL was clashing with the general elections.

“This was expected. Wherever we play, we hope to have the same fervour that we had last season,” Tendulkar said.

Yuvraj, skipper of Kings XI Punjab, said although he was disheartened, he would abide by the decision of the cricket board.

Yuvraj said the Indian fans would be disappointed at not being able to watch the matches at their venues.

“It is a mixed bag of feelings. We were looking forward to playing in front of our home crowds, but now we have to play away.

“You feel sad for Indians who were looking forward to watching the IPL. But then again there are Indians around the world in places like America who can't make it to India, but maybe they can come to England,” he said.

The left-hander said he would miss playing in front of home crowds.

“It will be different. The whole concept of home and away games is gone now. It will be all away games, no home crowd, no home conditions. It is going to be different from last year,” he said.

But he insisted that he was prepared to play anywhere in the world.

“We are always looking to play cricket, whether it is in India or away. The IPL is such a popular tournament, it should go ahead. Twenty20 is enjoyed by fans all around the world.

There are a lot of Indians in England and South Africa, so numbers will not be a problem,” he said.

Balaji said the players ought to accept what the Board decides.

“Definitely, it will be different. I am sure the IPL is trying its best to make it possible to hold the tournament. So we have to accept whatever options we are getting. It is tough at present because elections are more important in India now,” he said.

“It is like touring somewhere. When it comes to the Indian team there is a fan following abroad and even when we come to places like New Zealand those back home also make sure they watch the games on TV,” he added.

Balaji said not getting to play in front of Indian fans is a depressing thought.

“It is quite depressing in that we won't have home matches. But at least the IPL is making it happen. It is just that the fans will have to watch all the fun and action on TV instead of being a part of it at the grounds.” Gambhir, meanwhile, hoped that IPL would be held in England so that it helps the team prepare for next month's Twenty20 World Cup there.

“I think it is going to be good if the IPL happens in England because the Twenty20 World Cup will be played there.

“We would have a good chance to get acclimatised to the conditions and the wickets as well. That should be good for the Indian team. But at the same time we would have loved to play in India and spend some time with family,” he said.

Gambhir echoed his teammates disappointment at not being able to play in front home fans.

“Also there is a lot of support for the home team. Now we don't know what kind of support we would get in India because it is going to be a neutral venue for all the teams. It is going to be a lot different from last time around but at the same time it is going to be exciting,” he said. More PTI JH PM MRM 03231541 DELHI SPORT IPL LD TENDULKAR 5LT Gambhir felt it would be like playing at home if the IPL is held in England.

“In a way playing in England will be almost like playing in India since you have a lot of Indians and Asians there. But you don't quite know who they are going support.

“If you are playing in India, you know that entire Delhi would be supporting the Daredevils. But in England, I think everyone will have their own set of favourites,” he said.

Indians might be a disappointed lot but New Zealand wicketkeeper batsman Brendon McCullum said it it was a good decision to move the IPL out of India.

“It is a sensible decision based on the situation in India with the elections. If you can't guarantee the safety of the players involved in the tournament it makes it pretty hard to hold the tournament regardless of where it is. Security is first and foremost regardless of where its held,” he said.

“It is disappointing not to play in India because it is an amazing place. People there get right behind the tournament, but I guess what it does is create an opportunity to take the IPL on the road,” McCullum added.

He said the move would help create a different fan base.