As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 prepares to resume following a dramatic pause caused by military tensions between India and Pakistan, former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson has delivered a stark warning to overseas players.
In a brutally honest column that has taken cricketing circles by storm, Johnson has urged players—especially Australians like Pat Cummins and Travis Head—not to return to what he describes as a “high-risk environment.”
“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,” wrote Johnson.
A veteran of six IPL seasons with three teams, Mitchell Johnson’s words about the IPL carry weight, particularly at a moment when cricket stands at the mercy of geopolitics.
The IPL’s return comes under the shadow of a recent armed standoff between India and Pakistan, which led to the tournament’s abrupt suspension earlier this month. Though a diplomatic de-escalation has allowed both the IPL and PSL to resume, Johnson believes the decision puts player safety at risk and highlights uncomfortable pressure on foreign stars.
At the center of Johnson’s concern is the BCCI’s alleged behind-the-scenes push to ensure foreign cricketers return for the remaining fixtures—even those from eliminated teams. His criticism gains further credence considering the cases of Cummins and Head, whose Sunrisers Hyderabad side is already out of the playoff race but who are still expected to fulfill their contracts.
“Cricketers are not just athletes, they are ambassadors,” Johnson said. “But when safety is at stake, no one should be coerced or feel pressured to return, even if leagues push hard for it.”
South Africa has drawn a firm line, instructing its players to return home by May 26, regardless of the IPL schedule. Cricket Australia, however, has taken a hands-off stance, leaving the final call to its players.
The situation becomes even more delicate with the World Test Championship final looming just eight days after the IPL concludes on June 3. For Cummins and other Test-bound players, the turnaround is tight and adds to the already tense debate around priorities, preparedness, and player burnout.
While Johnson acknowledges the IPL’s role as a cultural bridge in South Asia, he ends with a sober reminder.
“Cricket is a source of pride and unity for fans. But the well-being of players and spectators must always come first.”
As the IPL restarts in a region still coming to terms with political volatility, Johnson’s words may resonate far beyond the dressing rooms. Whether his warning changes minds remains to be seen, but his message is clear: safety, not sport, must take precedence.
