Last Updated on 1 month by Charbel Coorey
Mitchell Johnson believes no overseas player should be “coerced or feel pressued” into returning to the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL).
In his column for West Australian, the former left-arm fast bowler wrote that overseas players should prioritise their safety and other international commitments such as the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) Final. Also, Johnson wrote that it wouldn’t be fair if overseas players are punished in the future for an understandable decision they make now.
“Opting not to play could lead to disappointment or even professional and financial repercussions down the track, but prioritising safety is first and foremost,” Johnson wrote.
“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.”
Safety of everyone must be the priority when conducting IPL and PSL – Mitchell Johnson
Johnson said he would not return to the IPL if he was currently playing. “It’s a no from me. Lives and safety are the most important thing, not pay cheques,” Johnson wrote.
“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 Punjab Kings-Delhi Capitals match on May 8 was abandoned midway through the first innings at Dharamshala due to a blackout following air-raid warnings in nearby Jammu and Pathankot. The decision was taken to suspend the IPL the following day.
Following a ceasefire, the league will resume on May 17 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Kolkata Knight Riders. However, overseas players flew out of India soon after the league was suspended, and franchises have been scrambling to get players back on deck.
It has proven particularly tricky for Australian and South African players set to feature in the upcoming WTC Final. The IPL Final will now be played on June 3, just eight days before the big Test. South Africa have been more strict than Australia regarding their players missing the IPL playoffs, to Johnson’s surprise.
“Let’s not forget that some Australian and South African players will need to prepare for the upcoming World Test Championship final,” Johnson wrote.
“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.
“Proteas coach Shukri Conrad says their players must still be home by May 26 regardless of the IPL being pushed back, while CA will “support players in their individual decisions” and “work through preparation implications” for the WTC final.”
