In a landmark moment at the Indian Premier League auction, Australian cricket sensation Cameron Green scripted history by becoming the most expensive overseas player ever. The Kolkata Knight Riders secured the dynamic all-rounder for a staggering sum of INR 25.20 crore, placing a massive bet on his talent. However, behind this monumental price tag and his powerful on-field presence lies a deeply personal and inspiring battle with a chronic health condition.
A Lifelong Companion: The CKD Diagnosis
Cameron Green's journey with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) began even before he was born. During his mother's 19-week pregnancy scan, doctors detected abnormalities. The scans revealed a thickening of the bladder and a blockage in the urethra, causing urine to flow back towards the kidneys and hindering their proper development. The prognosis was grim; medical professionals informed his parents that his life expectancy might not extend beyond his 12th birthday due to the severity of the kidney issues identified in the womb.
Reflecting on his condition in a 2023 interview with Channel 7, Green shared his ongoing learning process. "I'm still trying to learn as much as I can about it. Basically, my kidneys don't work as well as other people's and don't filter the blood very well," he explained. This reality necessitates a strict dietary regime, particularly low in salt and protein—a challenge for a professional athlete. "It isn't ideal as a cricketer," Green admitted, "but around games I can pick that protein intake back up because I spend so much of it out on the ground. It's just about finding the best ways to look after me."
Managing Stage 2 CKD on the World Stage
Medically, Green functions with kidneys operating at approximately 60% of normal capacity. This places him in stage 2 of the five-stage Chronic Kidney Disease classification system, where stage 1 indicates minor damage and stage 5 necessitates dialysis or transplant. The primary focus of his treatment is to slow the disease's progression and prevent it from advancing to more critical stages.
His childhood was punctuated by frequent hospital visits and numerous ultrasound tests to monitor kidney growth and health—a common protocol for children with congenital CKD. Doctors vigilantly track such patients for complications like high blood pressure, anaemia, and bone development issues.
Cricket, Cramps, and Careful Balance
Astonishingly, Green reports no daily symptoms that directly hinder his cricketing prowess. The most notable impact manifests during intense physical exertion. His body's altered handling of fluids and electrolytes leads to severe muscle cramps, especially when bowling or batting for long spells in hot conditions. "I'd be playing footy and get to the third quarter and I'd go down with double-calf cramps," he recalled, initially attributing it to overexertion or poor hydration before understanding the link to his CKD.
"You can see that I am fine physically and that normally isn't the case for people with this disease," Green stated, acknowledging his fortune. His management is a meticulous science. A dedicated support team helps him navigate a kidney-friendly diet, crucial because damaged kidneys struggle to filter excess protein and sodium, which can elevate blood pressure and accelerate disease progression.
Chronic Kidney Disease, a permanent condition marked by reduced kidney function over at least three months, can stem from various causes like diabetes, high blood pressure, or inherited conditions. In Green's case, it was a birth defect. General management involves controlling blood pressure, managing blood sugar, reducing salt intake, and maintaining hydration.
Cameron Green's story transcends cricket. It is a powerful narrative of resilience, demonstrating how disciplined management and a positive mindset can enable an individual to reach the pinnacle of professional sport while living with a significant chronic health condition. His record-breaking IPL deal is not just a reward for his cricketing skill but a testament to his extraordinary personal journey.
