Sangakkara calls out Sam Curran for skipping IPL 2026; backs BCCI’s strong measu
A Cloud of Controversy Over IPL 2026
The conclusion of the IPL 2026 season has brought more than just on-field drama to the forefront. Following the second qualifier match, which saw the Gujarat Titans secure a dominant seven-wicket victory to advance to the finals against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals (RR) head coach Kumar Sangakkara took the opportunity to address a pressing issue that has been simmering behind the scenes. The Sri Lankan icon did not mince his words when discussing the unexpected absence of English all-rounder Sam Curran during the franchise’s campaign.
The Discrepancy Behind the Absence
The situation involving Sam Curran has raised significant questions regarding transparency and professional commitment. Rajasthan Royals had invested heavily in Curran, completing a trade deal that saw Sanju Samson move to the Chennai Super Kings. However, when the time came for the tournament to commence, the franchise was informed that the Englishman was suffering from a ‘season-ending’ injury, forcing the team to pivot and sign Dasun Shanaka as a replacement.
The frustration for the RR management became evident when Curran was spotted participating in the T20 Blast tournament for Surrey shortly thereafter. The statistics suggest that his physical condition was far from the ‘season-ending’ status initially reported. In his appearances for Surrey, Curran has thrived as a pure batter, accumulating 141 runs across three games at an impressive average of 70.5, with a high score of 71 not out. This stark contrast between his reported unavailability for the IPL and his active participation in English domestic cricket has left the Rajasthan Royals leadership feeling misled.
Sangakkara Backs BCCI’s Strict Stance
Addressing these recurring player availability issues, Kumar Sangakkara voiced his full support for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and their proactive measures to protect the integrity of the tournament. The BCCI has introduced a rigorous policy aimed at curbing the trend of players pulling out of the league after being selected at auctions without valid, verifiable medical reasons.
Under the new regulatory framework, players who withdraw from their commitments could face a mandatory two-year ban from the league. This is not a theoretical threat; the board has already demonstrated its resolve by imposing similar sanctions on players like Harry Brook and Ben Duckett for failing to honor their contractual obligations. Sangakkara emphasized that such strict policies are essential for the health of the league, ensuring that franchises are not left in a lurch after putting their faith and financial resources into a player.
The Impact on Franchise Strategy
For a team like the Rajasthan Royals, squad balance is meticulously planned during the auction phase. The loss of a key all-rounder like Curran disrupts the team’s tactical equilibrium. Sangakkara noted that while the management acted swiftly to bring in Dasun Shanaka—a decision he maintains was correct given the information provided at the time—the team would have undoubtedly benefited from Curran’s presence on the field.
The former batting legend believes that the sanctity of player contracts must be prioritized. By backing the BCCI’s firm stand, Sangakkara is signaling that the era of players treating IPL commitments as optional is drawing to a close. As cricket continues to evolve into a calendar dominated by high-stakes T20 leagues, the ability of boards to enforce contracts will determine the long-term stability and fairness of the global game. For the Rajasthan Royals, the focus now shifts to rebuilding for the next season, but the message from their head coach remains clear: accountability is non-negotiable.
