Due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had earlier postponed the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 by one week. However, now that a ceasefire has been established and the situation along the border is stabilizing, the BCCI has decided to resume the remaining 17 matches of the tournament from 17 May.
Although the tournament is set to restart, this decision has created challenges for the franchises. Many foreign players are likely to miss the remaining games due to international commitments and other reasons. The BCCI is currently in touch with various foreign cricket boards, trying to ensure that overseas players return to India for the rest of the matches.
However, former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson believes that no player should be forced to return. Reports suggest that the BCCI has allegedly pressured foreign boards to make their players available for the remainder of the IPL season. Johnson, on the other hand, insists that a player’s life is more important than money.
In his column for The West Australian, Mitchell Johnson wrote, “If I had to decide whether to go back to India and complete the tournament, it would be an easy decision for me. My answer would be no. Life and safety are the most important things — not money. It’s a personal decision.”
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“Shift IPL and PSL to Safer Locations”
Johnson further added, “No one should be forced or feel pressured to return — whether it’s the IPL or the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which is also currently on hold. Both tournaments should either be ended for now or considered for relocation to another country. But doing so could have major financial implications.”
Mitchell Johnson, a left-arm fast bowler, picked up 313 wickets in 73 Test matches, 239 wickets in 153 One Day Internationals, and 38 wickets in 30 T20 Internationals. He has also played in the IPL for teams like Mumbai Indians (MI), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Punjab Kings (PBKS).
