‘Disappointing’ – Sangakkara on Sam Curran turning out for Surrey with IPL still – Kumar Sangakkara Criticizes Sam Curran Over Surrey Appearance Amid IPL Absence
A Clash of Expectations: The Sam Curran Controversy
The conclusion of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season has left Rajasthan Royals (RR) head coach Kumar Sangakkara reflecting on more than just the team’s exit in Qualifier 2. At the center of his frustration is the absence of star allrounder Sam Curran, whose withdrawal from the tournament has sparked a tense debate regarding player availability and transparency.
The Timeline of Disappointment
Sam Curran, who had been acquired by the Rajasthan Royals, officially pulled out of the IPL on March 19, 2026. At the time, the player cited a groin injury that he had been managing since the T20 World Cup, noting that the condition had worsened and required him to make a difficult decision. However, the narrative took a sharp turn when Curran appeared for Surrey in the men’s Vitality Blast on May 22, showcasing his return to competitive cricket.
For Kumar Sangakkara, the sight of Curran playing for his county side so soon after his departure from the IPL was a source of clear annoyance. ‘We were told that Sam Curran had a season-ending injury, but I think I saw him playing for Surrey for two games or three games now. So that was disappointing,’ Sangakkara stated during a post-match press conference. ‘We would have loved to have had him here playing for us.’
Operational Setbacks for the Royals
The impact of Curran’s absence was not merely a loss of on-field talent but also a domino effect on the team’s roster management. Following the announcement of his withdrawal, the Rajasthan Royals acted quickly to secure Dasun Shanaka as a replacement on March 23. This move, however, led to significant complications for the Sri Lankan player, who had to withdraw from a deal with the Lahore Qalandars in the PSL, resulting in a one-year ban from that tournament.
Sangakkara emphasized that the franchise had expected a level of commitment that simply did not materialize. He highlighted the dedication of other squad members who remained with the team despite limited playing opportunities. ‘We’ve also had players like Adam Milne, Shimron Hetmyer, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Kwena Maphaka. They’ve been here, they’ve done the hard yards, they’ve practiced, they’ve carried water for the team, and they’ve really worked as hard as anyone else to support the team,’ the head coach added.
The Need for Stricter Policies
The issue of overseas players opting out of IPL commitments is a recurring theme that has drawn the attention of the BCCI. In an effort to curb these departures, the governing body announced in September 2024 a two-year ban on players who withdraw from the tournament after being selected at the auctions. Sangakkara believes such stringent measures are necessary to maintain the integrity of the league.
‘Yeah, I think a proper tight policy around that is always a requirement. The BCCI has a strict policy on that,’ Sangakkara observed. ‘Injuries, every person goes through injuries, and if it’s a serious injury, a season-ending injury, of course we understand.’ He further insisted that regardless of the validity of an injury, the onus remains on the player to honor their contractual obligations.
Looking Ahead
While Curran has performed well for Surrey, scoring 141 runs in his first three innings, his absence from the IPL leaves a lingering question regarding the balance of power between international players and franchise commitments. As Sangakkara concluded, the future of the IPL depends on ensuring that all parties involved are fully committed. ‘It should be very strict to make sure that contractual obligations are met properly and genuinely, and I think every side in the IPL will benefit from that.’ The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in modern cricket scheduling and the ongoing tug-of-war between club and country.
