IPL 2026 | Cricket Australia clarifies on Cameron Green's bowling unavailability after Rahane's 'ask CA' jibe

Rahane deflected queries on Green's absence as a bowler by saying, "Ask Cricket Australia," triggering a mild controversy on the player's current fitness status.

Cricket Australia (CA) clarified on the bowling unavailability of Cameron Green by saying that Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) management is 'fully aware' of the all-rounder's injury status after the team's captain Ajinkya Rahane created a flutter by stating that only the home board knew why he could not bowl in their Indian Premier League (IPL) opener against Mumbai Indians.

Rahane deflected queries on Green's absence as a bowler in Mumbai last night by saying, "Ask Cricket Australia," triggering a mild controversy on the player's current fitness status.

"Cameron has a lower back injury which is being managed but requires him to abstain from bowling for a short period," a CA spokesperson was quoted as saying by PTI news agency.

"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 did not bowl competitively for nearly 12 months -- from September 2024 to October 2025 -- after undergoing surgery for a stress fracture in his back and even after that period, his contributions with the ball have been minimal.

Green's last competitive outing with the ball came in the T20 World Cup against Oman on February 20 earlier this year at Pallekele, where he bowled just two overs.

KKR had gone all out at the IPL mini auction to secure the Australian for a whopping Rs 25.20 crore, making him the costliest overseas buy.

With Green also not being utilised with the bowl in their IPL opener against Mumbai Indians, KKR faced a severe pace-bowling crisis in their lung-opener despite defending a tall 220.

Rahane admitted that his side was struggling to find the right balance.

"Hopefully Green starts to bowl soon and the combination will be slightly different. It was really tough for the bowlers. Inexperienced attack, but these boys will learn.

"Strong batting lineup. So it's a learning curve. I thought MI batted well. Our bowlers will definitely learn," Rahane added.

MI cantered home by six wickets with five balls to spare in the match held at Wankhede Stadium.

(With inputs from agencies)