Cricket Australia issued a response after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane commented on Cameron Green not bowling during the IPL 2026 match against Mumbai Indians (MI). Rahane said that only the Australian board knows why Green did not bowl a single ball during the recent match.
On Sunday, March 29, the Knight Riders lost by six wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. While defending a target of 221 runs, their weak bowling attack struggled. The Hardik Pandya-led side chased down the target with ease in just 19.1 overs and made a positive start to their IPL 2026 campaign.
Ajinkya Rahane expressed disappointment on Cameron Green
Kolkata Knight Riders bought Cameron Green for a huge sum of ₹25.20 crore. Given his price tag, fans and management expected an all-round contribution. However, the 26-year-old played as a specialist batsman against Mumbai Indians and scored only 18 runs.
After the defeat, Ajinkya Rahane spoke during the post-match presentation ceremony. When presenter Ian Bishop asked why Green did not bowl despite the onslaught from Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton, Rahane indicated that Cricket Australia had banned Green from bowling.
Rahane said, “Ask Cricket Australia.”
Kolkata Knight Riders were in dire need of additional bowling options, as Vaibhav Arora conceded 52 runs, Varun Chakravarthy scored 48 and impact batsman Kartik Tyagi proved ineffective during the run chase.
Cricket Australia clarifies that Cameron Green is not bowling
A Cricket Australia spokesperson said Cameron Green is currently nursing a minor lower back injury sustained during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Cricket Australia also said that KKR had received medical communication regarding his bowling limitations ahead of the tournament.
“Cameron has a lower back injury which is being managed but will require him to stay away from bowling for a short period of time,” a CA spokesperson said.
“Cameron is currently rebuilding his bowling load in India with a view to making a comeback in approximately 10-12 days’ time. There has been communication with KKR and he is fully aware of this information.”
Kolkata Knight Riders face selection headache amid injury crisis
Kolkata Knight Riders are in a difficult situation. The franchise is already battling a serious injury crisis, having lost fast bowlers Harshit Rana and Akash Deep for the entire season, while Mathisha Pathirana is currently undergoing rehabilitation in Sri Lanka due to a calf strain.
If the team follows the medical schedule set by Cricket Australia, Cameron Green will not be available to bowl in the upcoming matches.
The all-rounder is expected to play as a specialist batsman against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). This situation creates a big tactical headache for Ajinkya Rahane.
Kolkata Knight Riders will have to find a way to balance their weak bowling attack without relying on one of their most expensive overseas players.
After losing their opening match of IPL 2026 to Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on April 2.
Also read: Big achievement for CSK! Star player declared himself 100 percent fit for IPL 2026