‘Disappointing’ – Sangakkara on Sam Curran turning out for Surrey with IPL still – Kumar Sangakkara Criticizes Sam Curran Over IPL Absence and Surrey Return
A Cloud of Disappointment Over Rajasthan Royals
The conclusion of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign has left the Rajasthan Royals (RR) reflecting on a season of ‘what-ifs,’ particularly concerning the availability of star allrounder Sam Curran. Following the team’s elimination in Qualifier 2, head coach Kumar Sangakkara did not hold back his feelings regarding Curran’s mid-season withdrawal and his subsequent return to action for Surrey in the Vitality Blast.
The Conflict of Availability
Sam Curran, who had been a major acquisition for the Royals following a trade involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson, officially withdrew from the IPL on March 19, 2026. At the time, the communication provided to the franchise suggested that Curran was suffering from a season-ending groin injury—a condition he claimed had been worsening since his participation in the T20 World Cup earlier that year.
However, tensions flared when Curran was spotted back on the cricket pitch on May 22, representing Surrey in the Vitality Blast. Sangakkara expressed clear irritation at the discrepancy between the reported severity of the injury and the player’s swift return to competitive cricket in England.
Impact on Team Strategy
The absence of such a high-profile player created a ripple effect for the Rajasthan Royals. To mitigate the loss, the franchise scrambled to sign Dasun Shanaka as a replacement on March 23. This move resulted in significant professional complications for Shanaka, who faced a one-year ban from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after withdrawing from his commitment to the Lahore Qalandars to join the RR setup.
Sangakkara highlighted the disparity between Curran’s situation and that of other international players who remained with the squad despite limited playing time. ‘We have had players like Adam Milne, Shimron Hetmyer, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Kwena Maphaka who came here and haven’t had much of a game,’ Sangakkara noted. ‘They have done the hard yards, practiced, carried water for the team, and worked as hard as anyone else to support the team.’ According to the head coach, the value of having players embedded in the team culture is immense, even if they are not consistently in the playing XI.
The Broader Conversation on BCCI Policy
The incident has reignited debates surrounding the integrity of player contracts in the IPL. In September 2024, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) implemented a strict two-year ban for players who pull out of the league after being selected at the auction. Sangakkara believes such stringent measures are necessary to protect the interests of the franchises.
‘A proper, tight policy is always a requirement,’ the former Sri Lankan legend stated. ‘Injuries are a reality of the sport, and if it is truly a season-ending injury, we understand. However, contractual obligations must be met properly and genuinely. The BCCI’s policy should remain very strict to ensure the IPL continues to benefit from reliable commitments from its players.’
Looking Ahead
While Curran has demonstrated his form by becoming Surrey’s top run-scorer in the Vitality Blast—albeit without bowling—the bridge between the player and his IPL franchise appears significantly strained. For the Rajasthan Royals, the focus now shifts toward re-evaluating their roster and ensuring that future acquisitions align with the level of commitment expected at the highest tier of franchise cricket. As the IPL continues to grow, the balance between player welfare and contractual loyalty remains a focal point for administrators and coaches alike, with Sangakkara firmly positioned in favor of accountability.
