Former Australian pace service provider Mitchell Johnson mentioned it isn’t sensible for overseas players to return for the remainder of the IPL and urged them to prioritise safety over pay cheques within the prevailing circumstances arising out of India-Pakistan navy hostilities.
The world’s greatest T20 league was suspended on May 9 due to the tensions on the border triggered by the April 22 terrorist assault in Pahalgam. A day after its suspension, a ceasefire between the 2 nations was introduced, paving the best way for IPL’s resumption from Saturday.
Johnson, nonetheless, believes it might be prudent for the overseas players to skip the remaining matches.
“While Cricket Australia has empowered players to make their own decisions, the weight of those choices can be heavy,” Johnson wrote in his column for the West Australian.
“Cricket might involve mega bucks these days but it is still just a game, and that has been brought sharply into focus after the Indian Premier League’s hiatus this week.
“If I had to make a name whether or not to head again to India and end the match, it might be a simple determination. It’s a no from me. Lives and safety are an important factor, not pay cheques,” the former left-arm pacer added.
The BCCI on Monday said it has decided to resume the league after holding extensive consultations and getting necessary clearances from the government, pushing the final to June 3 from the originally scheduled May 25.
The revised schedule leaves little turnaround time for the Australian and South African players, who decide to take part in the IPL play-offs, to prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, which begins in Lord’s from June 11.
Johnson said, “It’s a private determination. No one needs to be coerced or really feel pressured into going again, even when the IPL and Pakistan Super League, which has additionally been halted, push arduous for it. Both tournaments ought to simply finish now or think about transferring, which then turns into an enormous monetary difficulty.
“And 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 last now pushed again to June 3, only a week earlier than the WTC last begins at Lord’s, the impression on players’ preparation for what’s supposedly as Test cricket’s showpiece match is one other difficulty.”
While a majority of overseas players who had gone back home are expected to return for the remaining matches, some remained anxious.
“Cricket is a supply of satisfaction and unity for followers. Despite the challenges posed by the present state of affairs, the eagerness for the sport stays unwavering.
“However, the reality is that the safety and well-being of players, fans, and everyone involved in these leagues must be prioritised,” Johnson wrote.
“While cricket can bridge divides and promote camaraderie, it is essential to consider the implications of playing in such a tense security environment.
“Ultimately, the hope is that sporting occasions can resume in a constructive ambiance, however permitting each tournaments to restart this weekend may have some backlash.
“Hopefully once tensions between the two nations ease, both leagues can thrive again and bring joy to countless cricket lovers. But we must not forget the bigger picture in all this,” the Australian added.
Published – May 17, 2025 03:14 am IST
