Mitchell Johnson Questions Return of Foreign Players to IPL Amid Tensions

With IPL 2025 set to resume amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has raised concerns over the BCCI’s decision to bring foreign players back. He labeled the move as “compulsory” and “risky.”

In a column published in an Australian newspaper, Johnson wrote:

“Money is not more important than life. The situation is still unstable, and bringing foreign players back under such circumstances puts their safety at risk.”

It’s worth noting that the IPL was temporarily suspended due to recent military tensions between India and Pakistan. Several matches were canceled owing to security concerns and flight disruptions. Following this, the BCCI announced that the tournament would resume on May 17.

Since the announcement, many foreign players, especially Australians like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, have returned to India. However, Johnson believes this decision has placed undue pressure on players.

Additionally, the BCCI has stated that in the future, foreign players who withdraw from the tournament without a “valid reason” after participating in the auction could face a two-season ban.

Johnson criticized these moves as “controlling” and “inhumane,” suggesting that such tournaments should be postponed or relocated in such volatile times.

The BCCI, however, has asserted that there is no major security threat at present and that the tournament will be conducted following all necessary safety protocols.

The remaining 17 matches of this year’s IPL will be played across six cities, with the final scheduled for June 3. The venues for the playoff matches are yet to be announced.