'Lives important, not pay cheques¡¯: SRH skipper Pat Cummins, RCB's Josh Hazlewood to make India return; former Aussie legend unhappy

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is all set to return on Saturday, May 17, following a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. While there were uncertainties over foreign players making a return to India after the 1-week suspension, news has come that majority of the overseas stars have reached India to play the remainder of the IPL 2025.

However, it seems not everyone is happy with this decision, namely former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson. The pacer urged caution as some Australian cricketers considered returning to India to help their sides win league game matches and make it to the final of the 18th edition.

Australian stars coming back to India

It has been reported that Australia's Pat Cummins, who captains Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), is reportedly preparing to rejoin his IPL team alongside fellow Aussies Josh Hazlewood (RCB), Travis Head (SRH), and Josh Inglis (PBKS), among other overseas players.

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Pat Cummins | #PlayWithFire | #TATAIPL2025 pic.twitter.com/0lhooizbGp

¡ª SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) May 14, 2025

In his column for The West Australian, Johnson wrote, "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. Given the recent military conflict between India and Pakistan, and the fragile nature of the ceasefire, it¡¯s understandable that players might hesitate to return to a setting they previously left due to safety concerns."

He also said that while Cricket Australia (CA) has allowed players to decide for themselves, the stakes are high. "Opting out might lead to professional or financial consequences, but safety must always come first," he added.

"If I had to decide whether to go back to India and finish the tournament, it would be easy ¡ª it's a no from me. Lives and safety are the most important thing, not pay cheques. It's a personal choice. No one should be coerced or feel pressured, even if the IPL or Pakistan Super League push for a resumption."

Johnson also pointed out logistical challenges, suggesting that both leagues should either be called off entirely or relocated¡ªthough the latter would come with major financial hurdles. He also noted that many Australian and South African players will soon need to shift focus to the upcoming World Test Championship Final.

About IPL 2025

The tournament will resume with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The next 17 matches will be played in six cities: Bengaluru, Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. The final is set for June 3, with playoff venues yet to be determined.