Kumar Sangakkara accuses Sam Curran and ECB of betraying Rajasthan Royals in cru – Kumar Sangakkara Questions Sam Curran’s Commitment Over IPL 2026 Absence
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The Controversy Unfolds
The Rajasthan Royals’ journey in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) reached a somber conclusion on Friday following a defeat to the Gujarat Titans in the second Qualifier in New Chandigarh. While the team must now reflect on their tactical execution, the spotlight has shifted to a more contentious issue involving English all-rounder Sam Curran. Rajasthan Royals Head Coach and Director of Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, has publicly questioned the transparency regarding Curran’s absence from the tournament.
A Disappointing Turn of Events
Before the commencement of the 2026 season, the franchise was informed that Sam Curran would be unavailable due to a groin injury. Consequently, the team management acted swiftly to sign Sri Lankan star Dasun Shanaka as a replacement. However, the narrative took a sharp turn when Curran was spotted representing his home county, Surrey, in the T20 Blast in England—at the exact same time the Rajasthan Royals were fighting for their place in the IPL playoffs.
Sangakkara did not mince his words when addressing the media after the team’s exit. “We were told that Sam Curran had a season-ending injury, but I think I saw him playing for Surrey for two or three games now, so that was disappointing,” the former Sri Lankan legend remarked. He emphasized that the franchise would have greatly benefited from Curran’s presence had the injury status been different.
Calls for Tighter Policy
The situation has reignited a debate regarding the commitment of international players to their IPL franchises. Sangakkara believes that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) must enforce stricter regulations to ensure that players do not exploit injury clauses to opt out of their contractual obligations. “A proper, tight policy around that is always a requirement. The BCCI has a strict policy on that. Every player goes through injuries, and if it’s a serious injury, a season-ending injury, of course, we understand,” Sangakkara noted.
The Value of Commitment
Highlighting the professional standards expected within the camp, Sangakkara pointed to other members of the Rajasthan Royals squad who remained committed despite limited playing opportunities. He cited players such as Adam Milne, Shimron Hetmyer, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Kwenna Maphaka, who traveled with the squad, trained tirelessly, and contributed to the team environment even when not in the playing XI. “They’ve been here, they’ve done the hard yards. They’ve practised. They’ve carried water for the team, and they’ve really worked as hard as anyone else to support the team on this journey,” he added.
The BCCI’s Stance
The BCCI has recently implemented a rigorous policy aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the league. Under the current guidelines, players who withdraw from the tournament for reasons deemed non-medical, or without proper justification, face the prospect of a two-year ban from the IPL. Sangakkara strongly supports this direction, asserting that strict adherence to contractual obligations is essential for the collective health of the league. “I think the BCCI policy around it is very strict now, and that’s the way it should continue to be, to make sure that contractual obligations are met properly and genuinely. I think every side in the IPL will benefit from that,” he concluded.
Looking Ahead
As the Gujarat Titans prepare to face the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, in the IPL Final at Ahmedabad, the Rajasthan Royals will return to the drawing board. The case of Sam Curran remains a significant talking point in the cricket world, serving as a reminder of the delicate balance between international commitments and franchise loyalty in the modern era of the sport. The hope remains that future seasons will see greater clarity and transparency, ensuring that all parties remain aligned with the professional standards that the IPL continues to strive for.
