Latest news with #MitchellJohnson
First Post
21-05-2025
- Sport
- First Post
Mitchell Johnson Accuses BCCI Of Coercion As IPL Returns First Sports With Rupha Ramani
Mitchell Johnson Accuses BCCI Of Coercion As IPL Returns | First Sports With Rupha Ramani | N18G Mitchell Johnson Accuses BCCI Of Coercion As IPL Returns | First Sports With Rupha Ramani | N18G The IPL is set to resume, and emotions are running high as fans flock to Bengaluru to witness Virat Kohli's return to action. With his recent announcement of retiring from Test cricket, the IPL has become more than just a tournament—it's an emotion for cricket lovers. However, former Aussie pacer Mitchell Johnson has raised concerns about the pressure placed on other cricket boards to send their players. In a scathing column, Johnson criticised BCCI's negotiations, calling them "blatant coercion." Rupha Ramani breaks down his comments and provides an in-depth look at the financial lure of the IPL, comparing it to Australia's Big Bash League. Rupha Ramani looks at the double standards of Australian cricketers. See More
The Hindu
16-05-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Mitchell Johnson urges overseas players to skip remainder of IPL due to safety concerns
Former Australian speed merchant Mitchell Johnson said it is not wise for overseas players to return for the remainder of the IPL and urged them to prioritise safety over pay cheques in the prevailing circumstances arising out of India-Pakistan military hostilities. The world's biggest T20 league was suspended on May 9 due to the tensions on the border triggered by the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. A day after its suspension, a ceasefire between the two countries was announced, paving the way for IPL's resumption from Saturday. Johnson, however, believes it would be prudent for the foreign players to skip the remaining matches. "While Cricket Australia has empowered players to make their own decisions, the weight of those choices can be heavy," Johnson wrote in his column for the West Australian. "Cricket might involve mega bucks these days but it is still just a game, and that has been brought sharply into focus after the Indian Premier League's hiatus this week. "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," the former left-arm pacer added. The BCCI on Monday said it has decided to resume the league after holding extensive consultations and getting necessary clearances from the government, pushing the final to June 3 from the originally scheduled May 25. The revised schedule leaves little turnaround time for the Australian and South African players, who decide to take part in the IPL play-offs, to prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, which begins in Lord's from June 11. Johnson said, "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. "And let's not forget that some Australian and South African players will need to prepare for the upcoming World Test Championship final. "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 as Test cricket's showpiece match is another issue." While a majority of overseas players who had gone back home are expected to return for the remaining matches, some remained anxious. "Cricket is a source of pride and unity for fans. Despite the challenges posed by the current situation, the passion for the game remains unwavering. "However, the reality is that the safety and well-being of players, fans, and everyone involved in these leagues must be prioritised," Johnson wrote. "While cricket can bridge divides and promote camaraderie, it is essential to consider the implications of playing in such a tense security environment. "Ultimately, the hope is that sporting events can resume in a positive atmosphere, but allowing both tournaments to restart this weekend will have some backlash. "Hopefully once tensions between the two nations ease, both leagues can thrive again and bring joy to countless cricket lovers. But we must not forget the bigger picture in all this," the Australian added.
The Hindu
16-05-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
IPL 2025: Mitchell Johnson urges overseas players to skip remainder of IPL amid India-Pakistan tensions
Former Australian speed merchant Mitchell Johnson said it is not wise for overseas players to return for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and urged them to prioritise safety over pay cheques in the prevailing circumstances arising out of India-Pakistan military hostilities. The world's biggest T20 league was suspended on May 9 due to the tensions on the border triggered by the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. A day after its suspension, a ceasefire between the two countries was announced, paving the way for IPL's resumption from Saturday. Johnson, however, believes it would be prudent for the foreign players to skip the remaining matches. ALSO READ | Will Jacks returns for Mumbai Indians, Stoinis set to fly back to join Punjab Kings 'While Cricket Australia has empowered players to make their own decisions, the weight of those choices can be heavy,' Johnson wrote in his column for the West Australian. 'Cricket might involve mega bucks these days but it is still just a game, and that has been brought sharply into focus after the Indian Premier League's hiatus this week. 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,' the former left-arm pacer added. The BCCI on Monday said it has decided to resume the league after holding extensive consultations and getting necessary clearances from the government, pushing the final to June 3 from the originally scheduled May 25. The revised schedule leaves little turnaround time for the Australian and South African players, who decide to take part in the IPL Playoffs, to prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, which begins in Lord's from June 11. Johnson said, '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. ALSO READ | Mitch Owen joins camp as Punjab Kings practice in Jaipur ahead of Royals clash 'And let's not forget that some Australian and South African players will need to prepare for the upcoming World Test Championship final. 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 as Test cricket's showpiece match is another issue.' While a majority of overseas players who had gone back home are expected to return for the remaining matches, some remain anxious. 'Cricket is a source of pride and unity for fans. Despite the challenges posed by the current situation, the passion for the game remains unwavering. However, the reality is that the safety and well-being of players, fans, and everyone involved in these leagues must be prioritised,' Johnson wrote. 'While cricket can bridge divides and promote camaraderie, it is essential to consider the implications of playing in such a tense security environment. Ultimately, the hope is that sporting events can resume in a positive atmosphere, but allowing both tournaments to restart this weekend will have some backlash. Hopefully, once tensions between the two nations ease, both leagues can thrive again and bring joy to countless cricket lovers. But we must not forget the bigger picture in all this,' the Australian added.
Hindustan Times
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Mitchell Johnson urges overseas players to skip remainder of IPL due to safety concerns
Perth, Former Australian speed merchant Mitchell Johnson said it is not wise for overseas players to return for the remainder of the IPL and urged them to prioritise safety over pay cheques in the prevailing circumstances arising out of India-Pakistan military hostilities. The world's biggest T20 league was suspended on May 9 due to the tensions on the border triggered by the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. A day after its suspension, a ceasefire between the two countries was announced, paving the way for IPL's resumption from Saturday. Johnson, however, believes it would be prudent for the foreign players to skip the remaining matches. "While Cricket Australia has empowered players to make their own decisions, the weight of those choices can be heavy," Johnson wrote in his column for the West Australian. "Cricket might involve mega bucks these days but it is still just a game, and that has been brought sharply into focus after the Indian Premier League's hiatus this week. "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," the former left-arm pacer added. The BCCI on Monday said it has decided to resume the league after holding extensive consultations and getting necessary clearances from the government, pushing the final to June 3 from the originally scheduled May 25. The revised schedule leaves little turnaround time for the Australian and South African players, who decide to take part in the IPL play-offs, to prepare for the World Test Championship final, which begins in Lord's from June 11. Johnson said, "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. "And let's not forget that some Australian and South African players will need to prepare for the upcoming World Test Championship final. "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 as Test cricket's showpiece match is another issue." While a majority of overseas players who had gone back home are expected to return for the remaining matches, some remaind anxious. "Cricket is a source of pride and unity for fans. Despite the challenges posed by the current situation, the passion for the game remains unwavering. "However, the reality is that the safety and well-being of players, fans, and everyone involved in these leagues must be prioritised," Johnson wrote. "While cricket can bridge divides and promote camaraderie, it is essential to consider the implications of playing in such a tense security environment. "Ultimately, the hope is that sporting events can resume in a positive atmosphere, but allowing both tournaments to restart this weekend will have some backlash. "Hopefully once tensions between the two nations ease, both leagues can thrive again and bring joy to countless cricket lovers. But we must not forget the bigger picture in all this," the Australian added.
Mint
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Mint
'Lives and safety are most important, not pay cheques': Mitchell Johnson to Australian stars ahead of IPL 2025 restart
Mitchell Johnson, former Australian pacer and two-time IPL winner with Mumbai Indians, has advised the likes of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc to prioritise personal safety over pay cheques. Johnson has written a lengthy article in his column for The West Australian, a daily newspaper based in Perth. "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. 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. 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 appear 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," the former pacer pointed out. Cricket South Africa has asked the WTC final-bound players to return home by May 27. Some of the Australian players who are not part of the WTC final are already in India for the IPL restart. Cricket Australia authorities have left the matter to the players to decide about their participation. Johnson represented three teams - Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders - in the Indian Premier League. Johnson was the joint-leading wicket-taker (24 wickets) for Mumbai Indians in their maiden title-winning season in 2013. He reached the final with Punjab Kings in the following year. Johnson returned to Mumbai Indians in 2017 and won the league for the second time. Stay updated on all the action from the IPL 2025. Check the IPL 2025 Schedule, track the latest IPL 2025 Points Table, and follow the top performers with the Orange Cap and Purple Cap.
