Former Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson has taken a firm stand on the resumption of IPL 2025, calling out the BCCI for what he described as undue pressure on overseas players to return amidst ongoing concerns over safety. The tournament, which was paused for a week following rising military tensions between India and Pakistan, is set to resume on Saturday, May 17, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Kolkata Knight Riders at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

In his column for The West Australian, MItchell Johnson didn’t hold back. “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,” he wrote, underscoring the importance of prioritizing player well-being over commercial interests.

Following the suspension, many foreign cricketers promptly flew back home, some undertaking long multi-leg journeys. With the league’s restart, franchises have been scrambling to confirm the availability of their overseas stars, many of whom now face a dilemma with packed international calendars ahead.

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Mitchell Johnson stressed that players should not be coerced into returning. “No one should feel pressured, even if leagues like the IPL and PSL try to push hard,” he added, alluding to the resumed scheduling, which has now shifted the IPL final from May 25 to June 3.

This rescheduling poses complications, especially with the ICC World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa beginning on June 11 at Lord’s. While Australia may breathe easier with just Pat Cummins and Travis Head in the mix, South Africa faces a tighter squeeze with more key players involved.

“Even with the backing of their boards, the emotional and professional weight of such decisions is heavy. But safety must always come first,” Mitchell Johnson concluded.

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As fans look forward to the high-voltage clash between RCB and KKR, off-field conversations surrounding player safety and scheduling are likely to persist in the background.