Former Australia pacer Mitchell Johnson has become a vocal critic of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), accusing it of pressuring overseas players to return for the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) despite lingering security concerns.
IPL 2025 has been thrust into controversy following its week-long suspension due to heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan. The BCCI announced the league’s resumption on May 17, with the final rescheduled from May 25 to June 3, creating logistical challenges for franchises and players alike.
The revised schedule has sparked concerns, particularly among overseas cricketers, as it clashes with international commitments, including the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final set to begin on June 11 at Lord’s. Now, with the BCCI urging franchises to recall the foreign players, tensions have emerged over the balance between player safety, professional obligations and the financial weight of the IPL.
Also read: Huge Relief for Punjab Kings: Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis Set to Return for IPL 2025 Phase 2
Mitchell Johnson Blasts BCCI for Pressuring Overseas Players to Come for IPL 2025
In a scathing column for The Western Australian, Mitchell Johnson expressed his unease with the BCCI’s efforts to "coerce" players into prioritizing the IPL over their safety and other commitments.
"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 wrote in his column for The Western Australian.
He made his stance clear, stating that he would not have come to India had he been in this position.
"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," Johnson added.
He emphasized that players should not face undue pressure to return.
"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."
The 43-year-old also highlighted the scheduling conflict with the WTC 2023-25 final, noting its impact on players from Australia and South Africa. He expressed his amusement at the fact that Cricket South Africa (CSA) is recalling their players by May 27, while Cricket Australia (CA) has not chosen to do so yet.
"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 opined.
Mitchell Starc, Jake Fraser-McGurk Refuse to Come to India for IPL 2025 Phase 2
While most of the overseas players will be available at least for the league stage, Mitchell Starc and Jake Fraser-McGurk are among the few who refused to come back. Notably, the duo was part of the match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) that was abandoned midway due to security reasons.
Delhi Capitals have signed Mustafizur Rahman as Fraser-McGurk’s replacement.
Also read: “He’s Still Recovering” - Josh Hazlewood’s IPL 2025 Fate Uncertain, Informs Mo Bobat
