Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have officially signed Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson as a replacement for fellow countryman Nathan Ellis.The left-arm pacer has been signed for Rs 1.5 crore, as announced by the Indian Premier League (IPL) on March 24.
Originally, Johnson was set to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), having been purchased by Quetta Gladiators for PKR 5.6 crore. However, he pulled out of the competition, citing personal reasons.
The addition of Johnson strengthens CSK’s pace attack, which already includes Khaleel Ahmed, Matt Henry, and Jamie Overton. The Australian bowler has played 13 international matches for Australia, including five ODIs and eight T20Is, picking up a total of 18 wickets. In the IPL, he previously featured for Gujarat Titans in 2024 and Kolkata Knight Riders in 2025, taking five wickets across nine IPL matches.
This move marks the third time this season that a player has withdrawn from the PSL and joined the IPL as a replacement. Alongside Johnson, Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani, who was also part of the PSL, signed with Kolkata Knight Riders in place of Mustafizur Rahman. Dasun Shanaka joined Rajasthan Royals to replace Sam Curran.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has threatened to take legal action against overseas players for leaving PSL.
“We will proceed with appropriate action as per the regulations. A similar situation occurred last year, and the same steps will be taken this time as well,” Naqvi stated during a press conference.
“While the IPL overlap isn’t a concern, as we’re also getting top-quality players here, but we couldn’t afford to delay the PSL due to the lack of another suitable window in the calendar,” he explained.