Mitchell Johnson Slams BCCI Over IPL 2025: Safety vs. Profit
Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson has sharply criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for allegedly pressuring overseas players to prioritize the rescheduled IPL 2025 over safety and international commitments. The tournament, halted due to the India-Pakistan conflict, has sparked debate over player safety, scheduling conflicts, and the BCCI’s financial motives.
IPL 2025 Rescheduling Sparks Controversy
The IPL 2025 season faced an unprecedented pause due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The BCCI rescheduled the tournament, pushing the final from May 24 to June 3, 2025. This decision has created significant scheduling conflicts, particularly for players from Australia and South Africa, who are preparing for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final starting June 10 at Lord’s.
Fact Check: The WTC final involves Australia and South Africa, with key IPL players like Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Kagiso Rabada, and Aiden Markram facing tight schedules. The IPL playoffs (May 28–June 3) leave little preparation time for the WTC final.
Mitchell Johnson’s Critique: Safety Over Paychecks
In his column for The Western Australian, Johnson, a two-time IPL champion, condemned the BCCI’s approach, arguing that no player should be coerced into returning to India amid safety concerns. “If I had to decide whether to head back to India for IPL 2025, it’s a no from me. Lives and safety are more important than paychecks,” he wrote. Johnson suggested that both the IPL and the Pakistan Super League (PSL), also halted, should either end or relocate, despite the financial challenges of such a move.
Cricket Australia vs. South Africa: A Policy Divide
Mitchell Johnson highlighted a contrast in how cricket boards are handling the situation. Cricket Australia (CA) has left the decision to individual players, placing them in a dilemma where opting out could risk professional and financial repercussions. In contrast, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has taken a firmer stance, urging WTC final-bound players to return by May 26, 2025, prioritizing national duty over IPL commitments. Johnson noted the influence of financial ties between India and South Africa through the SA20 league, making CSA’s stance surprising.
Player Impact: Australian players like Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad) and Steve Smith (Delhi Capitals) earn upwards of INR 18 crore in the IPL, while South African stars like Kagiso Rabada (Punjab Kings) face similar financial stakes. Opting out could affect future contracts.
Gaps in the Narrative: What’s Missing?
While Johnson’s critique raises valid concerns, it lacks perspectives from current players and the BCCI’s official stance. No active IPL players have publicly commented on the issue, possibly due to contractual obligations or fear of backlash.
The BCCI has not issued a detailed response, though sources indicate they are prioritizing tournament completion to protect broadcast and sponsorship deals worth over USD 6 billion. Additionally, the feasibility of relocating the IPL to neutral venues like the UAE or South Africa, as done during COVID-19, remains unexplored in Johnson’s argument.
Player Safety: A Broader Perspective
The India-Pakistan conflict has raised legitimate safety concerns, with foreign governments issuing travel advisories for India. Players like Jos Buttler (England) and David Warner (Australia) have previously cited safety as a reason for skipping IPL seasons.
The BCCI’s insistence on continuing IPL 2025 without addressing these concerns publicly has fueled criticism. Johnson’s call to end the tournament aligns with player welfare but overlooks the economic ripple effects on support staff, local economies, and franchises. Stay tuned, Khelo Pakistan, for more IPL 2025 Updates.
