Mitchell Johnson
Kings XI Punjab Mitchell Johnson leaps up in the air after he dismissed Gujarat Lions Ravindra Jadeja during the 2016 Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match between Gujarat Lions and Kings XI Punjab at The Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali on April 11, 2016. ------IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE- / AFP / SAJJAD HUSSAIN (Photo credit should read SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP/Getty Images)

With the Indian Premier League close players and franchisees have started the preparations for the glittery T20 league. One of them being, former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson who has pulled out of the third edition of the Pakistan Super League to have proper rest before Indian Premier League. Johnson who is currently playing in Big Bash League Down Under for Perth Scorchers was picked up by Karachi Kings for the upcoming edition.

Mitchell Johnson
ALICE SPRINGS, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 13: Mitchell Johnson of the Perth Scorchers bowls during the Big Bash League match between the Adelaide Strikers and the Perth Scorchers at Traeger Park on January 13, 2018, in Alice Springs, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

Johnson has played for two franchises in the cash-rich league, i.e., Mumbai Indian and Kings XI Punjab over the years. Sources close to the team have confirmed to Geo.tv that Johnson has withdrawn from the upcoming season of the PSL.

Mitchell Johnson
Kings XI Punjab Mitchell Johnson leaps up in the air after he dismissed Gujarat Lions Ravindra Jadeja during the 2016 Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match between Gujarat Lions and Kings XI Punjab at The Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali on April 11, 2016. ——IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE- / AFP / SAJJAD HUSSAIN (Photo credit should read SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP/Getty Images)

Sources said:

“Mitchel has informed the PSL that he needs some rest before the much attractive and lucrative Indian Premier League.”

The Australian fast bowler was in the platinum category of PSL and was picked up by Karachi Kings after being demoted to the diamond category. Sources close to the fast bowler believe that Johnson was unhappy over being demoted to the diamond category of the players.

Mitchell Johnson and Micky Arthur
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 24: Mitchell Johnson of Australia talks with Australian coach Mickey Arthur during an Australian training session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 24, 2012, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

A source said:

“This can be one understandable reason that he wasn’t happy about his category. He might have come if he was in platinum. Another reason was his unwelcoming relationship with Karachi Kings’ coach Mickey Arthur over an infamous home-work gate scandal.

Johnson was one of the four players suspended by Micky Arthur who was Australia’s coach on their tour of India in 2013.

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