MI Legend Not Happy With BCCI Forcing Overseas Players To Feature In Remaining IPL 2025 Games

Former Australian paceman Mitchell Johnson is unhappy with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), forcing foreign players to feature in the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.  The tournament would have concluded on May 25, but it had to be suspended after cross-border tensions escalated between India and Pakistan. The IPL 2025 is now set to resume on May 17, with the grand finale taking place on June 3.

All the franchises are struggling with the availability of their overseas players. While Australia and South Africa will play the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s from June 11, England and West Indies are scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20Is from May 29. Some players have confirmed they won’t be returning for the remaining games, while some will leave before the playoffs (May 29) to play for their respective national teams. 

"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,” Johnson, who has played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL, wrote in his column for The West Australian. 

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.”

Adding further, 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.

"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.”

The IPL committee has allowed teams to sign temporary replacements for the remainder of the 2025 season of the IPL. However, new replacements will not be eligible for retentions next season to maintain the sanctity of the IPL auction.