New Delhi. The beginning of IPL 2026 has made it clear that as easy as it is to score runs in this season, it has become equally difficult for the bowlers to prove their usefulness. Amidst the small field, flat pitch and aggressive batting, even a score of 200+ does not seem safe but in the meantime a big question has also arisen, are the franchises getting clear information in advance about the complete availability and role of the players? The case of Cameron Green further intensifies this debate.
In the first two days of IPL, scores of more than 200 were seen being chased very easily. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) achieved the target of 202 runs before 16 overs, while Mumbai Indians (MI) chased the mammoth score of 220 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 19.1 overs. The truth is that in this IPL no score is safe due to good batting pitches and small boundaries. In grounds like Bengaluru and Mumbai, the boundary is less than 60 meters, where even mishit shots are easily converting into sixes.
Understand Green's confusion
In such a situation, it is not surprising that even in these high-scoring matches, the bowlers got the 'Player of the Match' award. Good bowling in batsman-friendly conditions is worth gold and this brings us to the issue of Cameron Green. Ajinkya Rahane clearly said that why Green did not bowl, this question should be asked to Cricket Australia (CA). This is the point where KKR may feel cheated. KKR bought Green for a huge price of Rs 25.2 crore. First of all, this price was very high. Secondly, if there is any basis to justify this price, it is Green's all-round ability. He can win matches with batting and can contribute four overs in bowling. Like Shardul Thakur, who took three wickets for Mumbai, Green also bowls at a similar pace and can take advantage of his length to generate bounce.
Cricket Australia deceived
When Mumbai Indians were batting aggressively in the powerplay, KKR needed bowling contribution from Green but they did not have this option. This is where the question arises. Was KKR told in advance that Green would not bowl in every match? Was complete transparency maintained? If this information was known earlier, would KKR have spent Rs 25 crore? This is where the players and cricket boards should reveal the whole truth. Just as Ben Duckett put Delhi Capitals in trouble by withdrawing his name at the last moment, similarly Green not bowling is also an injustice to the team. It was clear from Rahane's statement that it was not KKR's decision, but Cricket Australia had stopped Green from bowling.
There should be a salary cut
After the match, Cricket Australia also issued a statement confirming this. He said, “Cameron has a lower back injury, which is being managed, but for now he will have to stay away from bowling. He is gradually increasing his bowling load in India and is expected to return in 10-12 days. KKR was informed about this in advance. In such a situation, it becomes necessary that KKR gets the right to appeal to the BCCI and a proportionate cut in Green's salary should be made. He will play a full role with the team. If they are not able to perform, then it is not right for them to get the full amount. IPL is not a free platform, rather it is a very competitive tournament, where every player has to prove his worth.
Green was bought as an all-rounder and if he is able to do only half the work, he should get half the salary. In such cases, strict rules and transparency are very important, so that the franchisee does not have to suffer loss. KKR and Ajinkya Rahane have every reason to be angry. This was not part of the deal and when the team is already struggling with the absence of bowlers like Harshit Rana and Akash Deep, then Green not bowling can prove to be a big blow for the team.
