Aakash Chopra Criticizes Cricket Australia Over Cameron Green's Bowling Situation

Aakash Chopra has voiced his discontent with Cricket Australia after Cameron Green was not allowed to bowl in KKR's IPL opener against MI. KKR's captain, Ajinkya Rahane, also criticized CA, leading to a heated discussion about player management and fairness in the league. Chopra highlighted the financial implications for KKR, who invested heavily in Green, and questioned the rationale behind CA's decision. As the controversy unfolds, the cricket community is left wondering about the impact of such decisions on teams and players alike.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 30, 2026, 18:48 IST

Controversy Surrounds Cameron Green's Bowling Absence

Aakash Chopra has expressed his frustration towards Cricket Australia (CA) after Cameron Green was not permitted to bowl during the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) opening match of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Following the match, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane made a pointed remark about the Australian cricket governing body, intensifying the controversy. KKR found themselves short of a bowler, ultimately losing to MI by six wickets, with Green not bowling a single delivery. The five-time champions achieved their highest successful chase in IPL history, defeating KKR with five balls remaining, despite KKR's substantial total.

When questioned about Green's lack of bowling, Rahane shifted the responsibility to CA, stating, "That question you need to ask Cricket Australia. Hopefully, Green starts to bowl soon, and the combination will be slightly different."

Chopra's Critique of CA

Chopra argued that it was unjust for KKR, who invested heavily in acquiring the Australian all-rounder. He noted that Green had been bowling in practice sessions and during net sessions, yet CA insisted on managing his workload. Chopra stated, "You bought an all-rounder 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 further criticized CA's decision, saying, "There should be some penalty. Because what is the team supposed to do? The team has spent 25% of 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?"

Chopra emphasized that teams feel betrayed and have every right to be upset, stating, "Here you won’t blame the player. The player is just a messenger while someone else is sending the message." It is noteworthy that KKR signed Green for a staggering ₹25.2 crores, making him the most expensive overseas player in IPL history. Interestingly, Green had registered himself as a capped batter during the auction instead of an all-rounder, which he later claimed was an error.

Green missed the 2025 IPL season due to a stress fracture in his back and resumed bowling only in October of the previous year. Following Rahane's remarks, CA released a statement indicating that Green is managing a back injury and that KKR was informed of the situation. A CA spokesperson mentioned, "Cameron is currently rebuilding his bowling loads in India with a view to returning in around 10-12 days' time. KKR has been communicated with and is fully aware of this information."