Mitchell Johnson who is regarded as one of the top cricketers of his era, is among the select players who have secured multiple Indian Premier League (IPL) championships. He did this as a part of the Mumbai Indians team in 2013 and 2017. Despite winning the IPL twice, Johnson has asked Pat Cummins and the other Australian players not to go back for the rest of the tournament now that it is starting again, a week late because of the Indo-Pak conflict.

What Did Mitchell Johnson Say

“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,” Johnson said in a column on The Western Australian.

“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 paying cheques.

Not just the IPL, but the Pakistan Super League is also in a similar boat, where the return of overseas stars for the resumption of the league has become a challenge.

Mitchell Johnson Questions IPL, PSL Continuation

“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,” 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 Test cricket’s showpiece match is another issue. South Africa appears 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,” Johnson said.