Mitchell Johnson Critiques IPL and PSL Amid Safety Concerns

Mitchell Johnson's Perspective on IPL

Mitchell Johnson, celebrated as one of the finest cricketers of his time, is among the few athletes who have clinched multiple Indian Premier League (IPL) titles. He achieved this feat with the Mumbai Indians in both 2013 and 2017. Despite his past successes, Johnson has advised Pat Cummins and other Australian players against returning for the remainder of the tournament, which has been delayed by a week due to the ongoing Indo-Pak tensions.

Johnson's Comments on Player Decisions

In a column for The Western Australian, Johnson stated, "Cricket Australia has given players the autonomy to make their own choices, but these decisions carry significant weight. Choosing not to participate could result in disappointment or even professional and financial consequences later on, yet prioritizing safety must come first."

He further emphasized, "If I were to decide on returning to India to complete the tournament, it would be a straightforward choice. My answer would be no. The safety and lives of individuals are paramount, far more important than financial rewards."

Concerns Over IPL and PSL Resumption

Johnson also raised concerns regarding the Pakistan Super League, which faces similar challenges in bringing back international players for its continuation.

He remarked, "This is a personal choice. No one should feel pressured to return, even if the IPL and PSL are advocating strongly for it. Both leagues should consider concluding now or think about relocating, which would pose significant financial challenges."

With the IPL final rescheduled for June 3, just a week before the World Test Championship final at Lord's, Johnson pointed out the potential impact on players' preparations for what is regarded as the pinnacle of Test cricket. He noted that South Africa seems to be taking a firmer stance with their players compared to Australia, which is intriguing given the financial connections between India and South Africa through the SA20 league.