Johnson Reacts Negatively to Hazlewood’s IPL Decision Amid WTC Final Repercussions
Mitchell Johnson, a former teammate, has heavily criticised Josh Hazlewood, one of Australia’s best fast bowlers, for choosing to play in the IPL 2024 instead of focussing on getting ready for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa. Despite persistent injury worries, Hazlewood’s involvement with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL finals has raised questions about his dedication to his country.
Johnson, who is renowned for his frank evaluations, chastised Hazlewood for playing franchise cricket while recuperating from an injury rather than preparing for a crucial Test match. Johnson said, “Test cricket, especially a world final, is supposed to be the pinnacle.” He maintained that, particularly after Australia’s WTC campaign ended in a five-wicket defeat to the Proteas, Hazlewood’s choice conveyed the incorrect message regarding player objectives. The seasoned pacer referred to it as a lost chance and questioned whether profit was taking precedence over national duty.
Johnson emphasised that Hazlewood’s injury history made the scenario even more dubious, which further fuelled the controversy. He believed it was a stupid decision to return for the IPL rather than concentrate on a thorough recuperation and test preparation. Many cricket fans and former players who expressed worries about the T20 leagues’ increasing influence on international cricket found resonance in this viewpoint.
Hazlewood had a fantastic IPL outing in spite of the criticism. With 22 wickets in 12 games at an average of 17.54 and a respectable economy rate of 8.77, he was instrumental in RCB’s first IPL title win. His contribution to RCB’s thrilling six-run victory over Punjab Kings in the June 3 final was indisputable.
That achievement, nevertheless, did not carry over to the WTC final. Hazlewood just took one wicket every innings, making his performance forgettable. The pressure around his physical preparedness and preparation for red-ball cricket only increased after Australia’s loss to South Africa.
“We’ve seen concerns about Hazlewood’s fitness in recent years, and his decision to prioritise the IPL over national duty raised eyebrows,” Johnson wrote in a column for the West Australian. He took use of the occasion to urge selectors to begin training the upcoming generation of Test bowlers in order to secure Australia’s long-term future.
“The ‘big four’—Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc—have performed admirably for us, but they shouldn’t be exempt. Johnson emphasised the significance of developing younger talent with an eye towards long-term sustainability in Test cricket, saying, “If senior players are just hanging around for one last Ashes, we have to question the mindset.”
The focus will now be on Hazlewood’s form and fitness as the Australian squad gets ready for a three-Test series against the West Indies in the Caribbean starting on January 25, 2026. The forthcoming trip could be crucial in determining Hazlewood’s position in Australia’s red-ball system given the mounting criticism from supporters and former players.
Calls for more precise rules on player participation in franchise tournaments during important international matches have rekindled discussion about the conflict between traditional international cricket and the lucrative T20 leagues.
