Former Australia pacer Mitchell Johnson has slammed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for attempting to ‘coerce’ overseas players to prioritise the remainder of the IPL 2025 season over other commitments.
The IPL witnessed an abrupt halt due to the India-Pakistan conflict and the tournament was rescheduled by a week, with the final pushed back from May 24 to June 3. The rejigged schedule clashes with multiple international assignments and also proposes reduced time for the ICC World Test Championship-final bound Australia and South Africa cricketers, should they participate in the Playoffs.
“While Cricket Australia has empowered players to make their own decisions, the weight of those choices can be heavy. Opting not to play could lead to disappointment or even professional and financial repercussions down the track, but prioritising safety is first and foremost,” Johnson said in a column on The Western Australian.
Johnson, a two-time IPL winner, said that he wouldn’t have returned to India if he were involved in such a predicament.
“If I had to make a call whether to head back to India and finish the tournament, it would be an easy decision. It’s a no from me. Lives and safety are the most important thing, not paying cheques.
“It’s a personal decision. No one should be coerced or feel pressured into going back, even if the IPL and Pakistan Super League, which has also been halted, push hard for it. Both tournaments should just end now or consider moving, which then becomes a huge financial issue,” Johnson wrote.
The former World Cup winner also said he was surprised that South Africa were able to put on a firmer stance on the issue than Australia. While CA has left it to their players to make a call, South Africa have urged their WTC final-bound players to return by May 26 after much deliberations.
“With the IPL final now pushed back to June 3, just a week before the WTC final starts at Lord’s, the impact on players’ preparation for what is supposedly Test cricket’s showpiece match is another issue. South Africa appears to be taking a much harder line with their players than Australia, which is interesting given the financial ties between India and South Africa through the SA20 competition,” Johnson said.
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