Cameron Green to be penalised for not bowling? Ex-KKR star blasts all-rounder and Cricket Australia

A big drama exploded in the IPL 2026 around the Australian all-rounder Cameron Green. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bought Cameron Green for a huge ₹25.20 crore at the mini-auction last year, making him the most expensive overseas player in IPL history.

But in KKR’s very first match of the IPL 2026 season against the Mumbai Indians, Green didn’t bowl even a single ball, and this has created a major controversy. The three-time champions have lost their season opener by 6 wickets, even after scoring 220 runs.

Ajinkya Rahane forces Cricket Australia to clear Cameron Green air

Mumbai Indians openers Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton crushed the KKR bowlers, hitting 148 runs in less than 12 overs. When the Kolkata bowlers were brutally hammered by the MI opener, many wondered why Cameron Green was not used because he was snapped for his all-round abilities.

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Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane’s anger exploded after the match when he encountered the same question. The irritated skipper asked the media to ask Cricket Australia (CA) why Green was not available for bowling in their IPL 2026 opener.

As the controversy grew, Cricket Australia (CA) came forward to clear the air. The CA revealed that Green is dealing with a lower-back issue, and he may need 10–12 days before he can bowl again. The Australian board also revealed that “KKR is fully aware of this information.”

KKR deserves compensation: Aakash Chopra

Meanwhile, the controversy got even louder when former Kolkata Knight Riders and India batter Aakash Chopra strongly criticized the entire situation. He felt that KKR paid for a complete all-rounder but ended up receiving only a batter, which is completely unfair to the franchise.

Chopra posted on X during the match between MI and KKR: “If you pay for an all-rounder and get a batsman in return, you should, at the very least, be eligible for a refund.”

After the Mumbai Indians won the match, Chopra posted a video of himself on his social media handle, where he said that the franchises spend crores after planning their full team balance, and now CA is not allowing Green to bowl, so they must return some money back to the KKR as compensation.

Aakash Chopra defends Cameron Green but demands penalty, action against Cricket Australia

Chopra said in the video posted on his X handle: “You bought an all-rounder for 25 crores. Cameron Green. He was Andre Russell’s replacement. Now he comes here but doesn’t bowl. And I am now wondering; I am at a loss for words. What is this logic, brother? Cricket Australia says, “No, you are not fully ready; you have to manage your workload.” So, you must go to IPL, but you don’t bowl. I will say, deduct the money.”

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He continued, “And there should be some penalty for this. I mean, deducting money is just a small thing to say. But there should be some penalty, because what should the team do? The team has spent almost 25% of their budget on one player.

Because you need that skill set, which is not easily available. And when IPL starts, a fit and available person comes to you. But Cricket Australia says, “No, we are managing your workload.” We don’t want you to bowl just now. How is it fair, man?”

Chopra urges BCCI to step in as CA is taking IPL lightly

The cricket pundit slammed CA for taking the IPL lightly and urged the BCCI not to let that happen because the franchise is suffering without any fault. He said, “They feel betrayed, and they have every right to feel that way. Yes, you won’t blame the player.” Chopra has defended Green and said that CA is just sending a message to the BCCI and IPL about their mindset.