IPL 2025 | `Lives are more important, not pay cheques`

Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson stated that it is not wise to return to India to feature in the remainder of the IPL 2025. He believes overseas players should prioritise safety over their pay cheques as many make their way back to the Indian subcontinent.

Previously, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had suspended the IPL 2025 due to the escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.

The league, which is set to resume on May 17, has been shuffled and is different from the previous schedule. As IPL 2025 resumes, Johnson in his column for the West Australian, said, “While Cricket Australia has empowered players to make their own decisions, the weight of those choices can be heavy.”

“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,” he added.

“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,” the former left-arm pacer added.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Jos Buttler to prioritise national duty after conclusion of league`s group stage matches

As both the IPL and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) were suspended, Johnson stated that even if the leagues are moved to other venues, it will result in financial issues.

The Australian pacer added, “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 revised schedule of the IPL 2025 has left very little time for the Australian and South African players with their preparations for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final. The match is scheduled to be played at the Lord`s Cricket Ground from June 11.

“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 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 as Test cricket`s showpiece match is another issue,” he added.

Ahead of the league resuming, some of the overseas players have already returned to India, but some remain worried.

“Cricket is a source of pride and unity for fans. Despite the challenges posed by the current situation, the passion for the game remains 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 events can resume in a positive atmosphere, but allowing both tournaments to restart this weekend will have some backlash,” added the former cricketer.

“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,” concluded Mitchell Johnson.

(With PTI Inputs)

This article first appeared on Mid Day