Former India batter Wasim Jaffer has stirred debate in the Indian Premier League after criticising the fact that Cameron Green has yet to bowl a single over for his franchise in IPL 2026. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Jaffer described the situation as “unfair” for the team that invested heavily in Green’s all‑round abilities.
Green, who was bought for a hefty ₹25.20 crore at the IPL auction, was expected to be a key all‑round performer. However, in the opening match against Mumbai Indians, he did not bowl at all, a situation that has contributed to criticism of the team’s bowling balance after they conceded 221 runs.
Jaffer’s comment struck at the heart of the ongoing tension between franchise expectations and national workload management. He wrote that when players sign up for a “private league,” it should not be their country that dictates whether they can fully contribute:
“Cam Green not bowling is unfair … Once you’re playing in a private league, it shouldn’t be your country who decides what you can and cannot do during that league. … Teams pay huge amounts to acquire players with certain skill sets and not using one of the skill sets … is unfair on the franchise.”
Ajinkya Rahane make a bold statement on Cameron Green's absence from bowling
Cameron Green’s absence as a bowler has been a topic of frequent discussion. After the match where he didn’t bowl, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane suggested questions about it should be directed to Cricket Australia (CA). The Australian board later clarified that Green’s bowling workload is being managed due to a lower back issue, and the franchise was reportedly aware of this before the IPL began.
The debate touches on a broader challenge in modern franchise cricket: balancing national board directives on player workload with team strategies in T20 leagues. Many fans and experts feel that when franchises pay large sums for a player’s all‑round potential, it should extend to using that player’s full skill set if reasonably possible.
Green has been seen bowling in nets ahead of subsequent matches, raising hope that he may soon resume bowling duties as part of his managed recovery. As IPL 2026 progresses, how teams handle overseas all‑rounders with workload restrictions will remain a talking point among fans and pundits alike.
