Rahane bluntly suggested asking Cricket Australia when asked why Green didn't bowl against MI.
Former India cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra slammed Cricket Australia (CA) for restricting Cameron Green from bowling in the ongoing IPL 2026, stating they are "taking the tournament for a ride".
The controversy followed Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) season-opening six-wicket loss to Mumbai Indians (MI) on Sunday (March 29) at the Wankhede Stadium, where Green—signed for a staggering INR 25.20 crore—played only as a specialist batter.
When asked during the post-match presentation why Green did not bowl, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane responded bluntly, "That’s the question you need to ask to Cricket Australia".
In a video posted on his X handle, Chopra argued that KKR spent a significant portion of their budget on Green’s all-round skillset and felt "betrayed" that he was unavailable to bowl.
He suggested franchises should be eligible for a refund if boards impose such restrictions after the auction.
“You bought an allrounder for Rs 25 crore. Cameron green who bats as well as bowls. He was the replacement for Andre Russell. He comes to the IPL and he does not bowl. When Ajinkya Rahane is asked why he is now bowling, he says ask Cricket Australia. I am at a loss for words. He was bowling in the nets as well as in the practice matches but Cricket Australia says that he is not fit enough to bowl and they want to manage his workload. So they say that you go to the IPL but don’t bowl. There should be some penalty. Because what is the team supposed to do?,” Chopra said on his X handle.
“The team has spent 25% on its budget on a player because they need a skillset that is not available easily. And when the IPL starts, you have a player who is fit and available but Cricket Australia says they are managing his workload. We don’t want you to bowl just now. How is it fair yaar? According to me they are taking the tournament for a ride. That must not be allowed. This shouldn’t happen because what is the fault of the teams? They feel betrayed and they have every right to feel this way. Here you won’t blame the player. The player is just a messenger while someone else is sending the message,” he added.
Following the backlash, a Cricket Australia spokesperson clarified that Cameron Green is currently managing a lower back injury and is "rebuilding his bowling loads".
CA stated they expect the lanky all-rounder to return to bowling in approximately 10-12 days and claimed KKR was fully aware of this plan.
"Cameron has a lower-back injury, which is being managed, but requires him to abstain from bowling for a short period," a CA spokesperson said. "Cameron is currently rebuilding his bowling loads in India with a view to return in around 10-12 days' time. KKR has been communicated with and is fully aware of this information."