IPL 2026: 'KKR fully aware' - CA issues clarification on Cameron Green after Ajinkya Rahane's 'Ask CA' remark

Kolkata Knight Riders’ all-rounder Cameron Green was curiously held back from bowling in his team’s six-wicket defeat against the Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2026 opener at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

Green, signed for a record INR 25.20 crore at the Abu Dhabi action in December last year, was billed as the replacement of now-retired KKR talisman Andre Russell. Green had a far-from-ideal debut for the franchise, scoring just 18 off 10 and not bowling.

KKR bowlers were taken to the cleaners by hosts Mumbai Indians, who gunned down the 220-run target with five balls to spare as Ryan Rickelton (81 off 43) and Rohit Sharma (78 off 38) knocked the wind out of their helpless bowling attack in a record 148-run opening partnership that killed the game.

Quizzed about his bowling absence, KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane responded with a tongue-in-cheek remark at the post-match presentation.

"That's the question you need to ask Cricket Australia (On why Green cannot bowl yet)," said Rahane.

Rahane’s remark has forced Cricket Australia (CA) to issue a clarification, with the board confirming that Green is currently dealing with a minor back complaint, having had a major operation in late 2024 due to the issue. CA further confirmed that the KKR franchise had been briefed on the details.

"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."

Green featured in the Sheffield Shield's ninth round after Australia’s group-stage exit in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The 26-year-old did not bowl in the Shield fixture either.

If KKR knew Green wasn’t allowed to bowl and paid tha price for a batter, then it’s ok. That’s their call.
If they bought an allrounder and now he’s not allowed to bowl, that’s NOT ok!

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) March 30, 2026

When Green starts bowling, combination will be different: Ajinkya Rahane 

Green’s bowling absence only compounded KKR’s bowling woes as they have been grappling with injuries and availability issues in that department right from the onset of the tournament. KKR lost the services of Bangladesh’s left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman due to a BCCI mandate, while the Indian pace duo of Harshit Rana (knee) and Akash Deep (back) has been ruled out with injuries, with the franchise signing Zimbabwe’s tall quick Blessing Muzarabani and Vidharbha’s left-arm quick Saurabh Dubey as replacements. 

Additionally, Matheesha Pathirana, whom the franchise signed for INR 18 crore, is currently recovering from a calf strain and remains unavailable for the first few games.

Rahane admitted that the team combination will be different once Green starts bowling.

"Unfortunately, Cameron Green cannot bowl at this moment," skipper Rahane said. "When he starts bowling, the combination will be slightly different. Finding that balance with the ball is really important, so hopefully Green starts to bowl soon, so we can find the combinations that will be okay."

KKR will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in their first home fixture of the season on April 2.