“No one should be coerced or feel pressured into going back”, Mitchell Johnson takes a dig at BCCI

Former Australia cricketer Mitchell Johnson accused BCCI of forcing overseas players to return for the remainder of the IPL 2025. The league is set to resume on May 17 after one week break following an India-Pakistan military showdown.

BCCI wans overseas players to return for IPL

Reportedly, one of the major concerns for all franchises was the availability of the overseas players in the remaining league. After the suspension of the league for indefinite time due to India-Pakistan military showdown, most of the of the overseas players left for home. The BCCI later gave pressure on overseas cricket boards to make their players available for the remainder of IPL 2025 as per the reports.

Mitchell Johson takes a dig at BCCI

Mitchell Johnson addressed the issue in his column for the West Australian and said, “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 pay 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.”

He added, “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. Hearing accounts of the challenges faced in those regions only underscores the need for caution. It’s reported that players are weighing up the potential risks and the broader implications of their decisions. Ultimately, the choice should be about what feels safest and most right for each individual, rather than just a commitment to a franchise or winning a tournament.”

WTC Final preparation at stake

He reminded that some Australian and South African players have to prepare for the upcoming World Test Championship Final scheduled to begin on June 3 at Lord’s. Interestingly as pew new dates, IPL final will now be held on June 3 instead of May 25.

“Let’s not forget that some Australian and South African players will need to prepare for the upcoming World Test Championship final. 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 as Test cricket’s showpiece match is another issue.”

Johnson added, “South Africa appear 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.”

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