'Both tournaments should end now...': Australia great blasts IPL and PSL for pressurising overseas players to return

Former Australia cricketer Mitchell Johnson accused both the BCCI and PCB of forcing overseas players to return to the remainder of IPL and PSL seasons respectively. Both the Indian Premier League and the Pakistan Super League are scheduled to resume on May 17. Previously, both the leagues had been suspended due to the rise in border tensions between India and Pakistan.

BCCI announced the resumption of IPL 2025 on Monday and following this, a major problem arose for almost every IPL franchise. After the league got suspended, many overseas players flew back to their respective countries, so there was a big question mark over their availability for the remainder of the season.

Johnson wants IPL and PSL to end

In his column for the West Australian, Johnson stated that no player should be coerced or pressurised into participating in both the IPL and PSL as their safety is the most important thing.

"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. 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," Johnson wrote.

BCCI's move to postpone IPL 2025 by a week has put subsequent pressure on cricket boards around the world as many of them have international series lined up for their respective teams. The most important of these international fixtures is the World Test Championship final, which will be played at Lord's from June 11, between Australia and South Africa.

South Africa coach Shukri Conrad recently stated that they need their players back by May 26, however Johnson highlighted Cricket South Africa's (CSA) helplessness in agreeing to BCCI's demands.

"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," Johnson added.

"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. "South Africa appear to be taking a much harder line with their players than Australia, which is interesting given the financial ties between India and South Africa through the SA20 competition," Johnson concluded.