Sangakkara calls out Sam Curran for skipping IPL 2026; backs BCCI’s strong measu
The Controversy Unfolds
The conclusion of the IPL 2026 qualifiers brought more than just headlines about the finalists; it sparked a significant discussion regarding player commitment. Following a decisive victory by the Gujarat Titans, which effectively ended the Rajasthan Royals’ title hopes, head coach Kumar Sangakkara addressed the media. The legendary former Sri Lankan captain did not hold back when discussing the absence of English all-rounder Sam Curran from the Royals’ squad.
Sangakkara, who has been instrumental in the strategic direction of the Rajasthan Royals, voiced deep frustration over the circumstances surrounding Curran’s unavailability. The tension stems from a discrepancy between the reason provided for the player’s absence and his subsequent actions on the field.
The Discrepancy in Availability
Earlier in the season, the Rajasthan Royals management was informed that Sam Curran would be unavailable for the 2026 campaign due to a season-ending injury. This information significantly impacted the team’s balance, especially after the high-profile trade that brought Curran and Ravindra Jadeja to the Royals in exchange for Sanju Samson. Given the expectations surrounding his role, the news of an injury was a major blow to the franchise.
However, the narrative shifted when Curran was spotted participating in the T20 Blast tournament for Surrey. Not only was the Englishman playing, but he was performing at a high level. Competing as a pure batter, Curran has scored 141 runs in three matches, maintaining an impressive average of 70.5 and a highest score of 71 not out. This level of activity, so soon after being declared unavailable for the IPL due to injury, has raised eyebrows across the cricketing world and led to the frustration expressed by the Royals’ leadership.
Impact on the Rajasthan Royals
Sangakkara admitted that the team would have greatly benefited from Curran’s presence throughout the season. Having lost a key international asset, the team was forced to scramble for a replacement. They eventually brought in Dasun Shanaka to fill the void. While Sangakkara noted that signing Shanaka was the correct move once the team was informed of the situation, he emphasized that the initial loss of a planned-for player caused significant disruption to the team’s tactical plans.
The Royals’ reliance on the initial information provided by the player proved to be a hurdle that the team struggled to overcome as they pushed for a playoff spot. The coach highlighted that such situations are not only inconvenient for the coaching staff but also disruptive to the team’s internal cohesion and preparation.
Support for BCCI‘s Regulatory Stance
In response to the growing trend of players withdrawing from the IPL after being drafted or traded, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced firm measures to maintain contractual discipline. The proposed rules suggest that any player who pulls out of the tournament after being picked—without a legitimate, verified reason—could face a two-year ban from future auctions.
This initiative follows similar disciplinary actions taken against players like Harry Brook and Ben Duckett for failing to honor their contractual obligations. When asked about these measures, Sangakkara expressed his full support for the Indian board’s stance. The former batting great argued that the IPL is a premier global event that demands professional accountability. He stated that the BCCI’s strict policy is necessary to ensure that teams are not left vulnerable and that the integrity of the league’s auction process is preserved for the benefit of every franchise involved.
By backing the BCCI’s strong stand, Sangakkara has signaled a shift in how franchises may look to handle player availability issues moving forward. As the cricket world looks toward the next season, the focus remains on whether these regulations will successfully deter players from prioritizing other domestic leagues over their contractual obligations to the IPL.
