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Former Australia pacer Mitchell Johnson has alleged that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is coercing overseas players to return to India for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The competition has been paused for a week since May 9, due to the India-Pakistan military conflict. On May 17, it will be restarted with the game between reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The hiatus in the tournament caused the issue of the availability of foreign players as the tournament has been extended until June 3, when the final of the tournament will be played.
With teams such as England, Australia, South Africa, and West Indies heading towards their crucial international assignments at the end of May or the beginning of June, it has become hectic for foreign players to complete their duties in the cash-rich league. Amidst these developments, Johnson has alleged that the BCCI is forcing the boards to send their players for IPL 2025. He highlighted Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) inability to deny the BCCI’s demand despite the Protea side’s new coach Shukri Conrad’s comment that they must have their players accumulated by May 26.
In his column for The West Australian, Johnson wrote, "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."
Mitchell Johnson played IPL for six years from 2013 to 2018
MItchell Johnson appeared in IPL for six seasons from 2013 to 2018. During that period, he served Mumbai Indians (MI), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and KKR and grabbed 61 wickets in 54 matches. In 2013, when Mumbai lifted the trophy for the first time under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, the Aussie chipped in with 24 wickets in 17 matches at an economy of 7.17.
He continued his form in the next season and helped Punjab to have their best campaign in the league. This time, he racked up 17 wickets in 14 games at an economy of 8.29 and played an essential role in helping the Mohali-based side to conclude their journey as runners-up. In August 2018, Johnson retired from all forms of cricket.
