Most of his compatriots have developed cold feet about playing in the Indian Premier League in the wake of Shiv Sena's threat, but retired opener Matthew Hayden said he is very much looking forward to be part of the third edition of the Twenty29 extravaganza.
Hayden, who represents Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, said he never had problems in India and the country means a lot for him and his family.
"I can say that I have been welcomed in all parts of India as a brother and friend of the country, which is a great privilege, and I'm humble about it. Over a long period of time, I acknowledge what India meant to me, individually and to my family as well. I'm looking forward with great confidence to playing in the IPL," the towering Australian said.
"In every tour, generally what happens that it is a player's discretion to decide whether he wants to play or pull out because of personal reasons or other reasons. Obviously, the matter now rests in the players' hands," Hayden added.
He conceded the players and the Australian Cricketers' Association are concerned, but felt the Aussies will be part of the tournament if the franchisees keep them updated about the security issue.
Australian players' IPL participation became uncertain after Shiv Sena said they would not allow any Aussie cricketer to play in India till attacks on the Indians Down Under stop.
Australia opener Shaun Marsh too was keen to play in India but the left-hander said he would wait for the go ahead from ACA and Cricket Australia.
"It's obviously a tricky situation. Security has always been an issue in the past but we never had any trouble in India. We have got certain people in place to make sure that it's safe for us. If they give us the go ahead, we would go.
"I love playing in India and if everything is alright, I'm looking forward to play some good cricket there," said Marsh, who represents Kings XI Punjab in IPL.
All-rounder James Hopes was not too worried with the development but, like Marsh, he too was awaiting a go ahead from CA-ACA.
"I've been to India a fair bit now and security has never really been a problem for us. We get looked after pretty well and, touch wood, I'm hoping to go there for the whole IPL this year," he said.
"Every time CA and ACA decide whether a tour is safe for us. and it would not be any different this time. The security people are assessing the situation and if they tell us to go we would go," he said.
