Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has asked foreign players, notably fellow Australians like Pat Cummins, not to engage in the Indian Premier League (IPL). It was because of the growing military tensions between India and Pakistan. As the IPL 2025 restarts after a brief hiatus brought on by regional geopolitical upheaval, Johnson’s forceful declaration comes forth. Johnson’s comments raise serious issues about player tiredness, scheduling, and the long-term impacts on international cricket.
Johnson, who played in six IPL seasons between 2013 and 2018, minced no words, “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 things, not pay cheques.”
Now that the league final has been set for June 3, only eight days before the World Test Championship final at Lord’s. Asserting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is “forcing” foreign players to come back, Johnson’s criticism is centered.
Once everything came to a sudden halt, most foreign players, including those with big names, quickly left India. However, now that IPL has resumed, the BCCI will be making sure to pressurise cricket boards to let their players return.
While Cricket Australia remained neutral, allowing its athletes to make a choice for themselves, South Africa has taken a heavier hand. Despite the IPL dates, Proteas coach Shukri Conrad has said that all South African players should be back home by May 26. Only Australians guaranteed to return are Pat Cummins and Travis Head, and they must weigh their position very carefully in this scenario.
Despite already being out of playoff contention, their franchise, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), will be finishing up the last three games. Here lies the greater challenge of international players: juggling franchise commitments while reading for the WTC final, which is ordinarily significant for both South Africa and Australia.
