Mitchell Johnson doubtful participant in the BBL

Retired Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson is likely to pull out from participating in the upcoming season of the Big Bash League (BBL). This speculation is quite stunning as Johnson, just a month ago had revealed his desire to play Twenty20 cricket around the world as a batting all-rounder.

According to a report in The Sunday Times, the left-arm quick recently sent a letter to the staff at Cricket Australia (CA), thanking them for their support during his decorated career . This can be an indication that perhaps his decision has been made.

The 34-year-old, who retired from international cricket last November, has received interest from Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat ahead of BBL- 6 despite a silent IPL season this year. Sam Halvorsen, Johnson’s manager, said the paceman would make a decision by the end of the month, according to the report.

The Heat have placed him on offer while the Scorchers will be keenly awaiting Johnson’s decision after veteran Brad Hogg signed with the Melbourne Renegades and doubts over top-order batsman Michael Carberry availability. Carberry was recently diagnosed with cancer in lungs after feeling complaints of uneasiness during a county championship game for Hampshire.

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Also, England swing bowler David Willey’s international commitments may sideline him for a majority part of the BBL. Justin Langer, the Scorchers coach, revealed recently that he was keen for South African pacemen Dale Steyn or Morne Morkel to play for the Scorchers but poaching either of them is seen as a long shot.