Chandigarh, May 16: An absurd statement has come out from former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson. He has said that it is not a wise decision for foreign players to return for the remaining matches of IPL. He made a statement about the current situation arising due to India-Pakistan tension with foreign players and said that foreign players should give priority to their safety over money.
IPL was postponed for a week
The world’s biggest T20 league was suspended on May 9 due to military conflict and border tension between India and Pakistan after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. A ceasefire was announced between the two countries a day after its suspension. This cleared the way for the IPL to resume from Saturday. However, Johnson believes that it would be wise for foreign players not to participate in the remaining matches.
Players have the right to make their own decisions’
He wrote in his column for the ‘West Australian’ newspaper, ‘Cricket Australia has given the players the right to make their own decisions, but it may be difficult for them to select options. A lot of money is being spent in cricket these days, but it is still a game and this has received a lot of attention after the IPL was called off this week.’
‘If I were there, I would have answered no’
He said, ‘If I had to decide whether to return to India and finish the tournament or not, it would be an easy decision. I would prefer to answer no. Life and safety are the most important things, not money.
The second phase of the league will start from May 17
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Monday that it has decided to resume the league after extensive deliberations and obtaining the necessary approval from the government. Its final will now be played on June 3 instead of the previously scheduled May 25. However, the venue for the four playoff matches, including the final, has not been decided yet.
WTC final is also to be played from June 11
According to the revised schedule, the players of Australia and South Africa participating in the playoffs will get very little time to prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) final starting at Lord’s on June 11.
‘No one should feel pressured to go back’
Johnson said, ‘This is a personal decision. No one should feel compelled or pressured to go back. Even if the IPL and Pakistan Super League (PSL) work hard for this. Both tournaments should be ended now or consider relocating.’
‘Preparation being affected is also a big issue’
Referring to the WTC final, he said, ‘Don’t forget that some players from Australia and South Africa will need to prepare for the upcoming World Test Championship final. The IPL final has now been postponed to June 3, just a week before the WTC final begins at Lord’s. It is also a big issue that the players’ preparation for one of the most important matches in Test cricket is affected.’
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