With the IPL postponed due to the India-Pakistan conflict and now resuming on May 17, the final has been moved to June 3—just a week before the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. The overlap has sparked concern among international players who are juggling franchise and national commitments. Writing in The Western Australian, Johnson didn’t mince words. “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,” he stated. Also READ: “Don’t shut us out”: West Indies demand Olympic Cricket Access for LA28 Johnson, who won the IPL twice during his career, said if he were in a similar situation today, he would not return to India. “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. ‘No one should be pressured’: Johnson calls for IPL 2025 to be scrapped or relocated The former pacer stressed that players should not feel forced to prioritise a T20 league over personal safety or national duty, even if tournament organisers try to lure them back. “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,” he added. Johnson also pointed out a surprising contrast in how Australia and South Africa have handled the situation. While Cricket Australia has allowed players to make individual decisions, South Africa has reportedly asked its WTC final-bound players to return home by May 26—well ahead of the Lord’s 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 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. As IPL 2025 gears up for a tense resumption, Johnson's remarks have reignited debate about the balance between franchise cricket and international responsibilities, especially in times of geopolitical tension.