Islamabad, 16 May, 2025: With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 set to resume after a tense suspension caused by military tensions between India and Pakistan, former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has given a firm warning to international players.
In a candid opinion piece that has stirred debate within cricket comunity, Johnson has advised foreign players, especially fellow Australians like Pat Cummins and Travis Head to maintain distance from what he called a “high-risk situation.”
“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,” Johnson stated bluntly.
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Having played in six IPL seasons for three different franchises, Johnson’s insights carry significant weight, especially at a time when the sport is entangled in geopolitical tensions.
The league’s re-start follows a recent cross-border conflict that caused the abrupt suspension of the league earlier this month.
Although both the IPL and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) are now back on track, Johnson remains skeptical, arguing that the situation still poses risks and that overseas players are under unfair pressure to return.
Mitchell Johnson specifically criticized BCCI behind-the-scene efforts to make foreign players rejoin their squads, even those whose teams are already out of the tournament.
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“Cricketers are not just athletes, they are ambassadors,” Johnson said. “But when safety is at stake, no one should be coerced or feel pressured to return, even if leagues push hard for it.”
Although Johnson acknowledged the IPL’s significance in bridging cultures and bringing together cricket lovers across South Asia, he ended his column with a solemn message.
“Cricket is a source of pride and unity for fans. But the well-being of players and spectators must always come first.”
As the tournament starts once again in a politically sensitive environment, Mitchell Johnson warning may echo far beyond the boundaries of the field.
Whether his words influence players’ choices remains uncertain, but his call is clear.
