Sangakkara calls out Sam Curran for skipping IPL 2026; backs BCCI’s strong measu
The Controversy Unfolds in the IPL
The landscape of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is often defined by its high-stakes drama, both on and off the field. Recently, the tension surrounding player availability and contractual obligations reached a boiling point. Following the second qualifier of the 2026 season—where the Gujarat Titans secured a dominant seven-wicket victory to advance to the finals against Royal Challengers Bengaluru—Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara addressed the media with some pointed remarks.
At the center of the controversy is English all-rounder Sam Curran. Rajasthan Royals had invested heavily in Curran, having acquired him in a high-profile trade involving Ravindra Jadeja, while former skipper Sanju Samson moved to the Chennai Super Kings. However, Curran’s absence throughout the season left a noticeable void in the Royals’ lineup.
The Discrepancy in Availability
Sangakkara revealed that the Rajasthan Royals management had been officially informed that Sam Curran was dealing with a ‘season-ending’ injury. Relying on this information, the franchise moved forward, eventually signing Dasun Shanaka as a replacement to stabilize their squad. However, the narrative shifted abruptly when it was discovered that Curran had returned to competitive cricket, playing for Surrey in the T20 Blast tournament.
The statistics indicate that the Englishman is far from being sidelined by injury. In his recent outings for Surrey, Curran has been performing as a pure batter, accumulating 141 runs across three games at an impressive average of 70.5, with a highest score of 71 not out. This sudden reappearance while the IPL season was still in full swing has raised eyebrows across the cricketing fraternity, leading to accusations that his withdrawal was not dictated by physical health.
Sangakkara’s Stance on Professionalism
During the press conference, the legendary former Sri Lankan captain expressed his clear disappointment. He emphasized that the team would have greatly benefited from Curran’s presence and all-round capabilities. While Sangakkara acknowledged that the management made the right call in securing Shanaka as a replacement once they were informed of the injury, he remained firm in his assessment that player availability should be treated with the highest level of professional transparency.
The incident has reignited the conversation regarding the lack of accountability for international stars who opt out of the league after being picked in the auctions. The Rajasthan Royals coach did not mince words when discussing the implications of such actions on franchise planning and league integrity.
Backing the BCCI‘s Firm Stance
In response to the growing trend of players pulling out of the IPL, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has proposed stringent measures. The governing body has suggested that players who withdraw without legitimate medical reasons after being selected in the auctions could face a potential two-year ban. This move follows previous instances where players like Harry Brook and Ben Duckett failed to honor their contractual commitments.
Kumar Sangakkara voiced his strong support for the BCCI’s proposed policy. He stated that the board is correct in maintaining a strict stance to ensure that players honor their contractual obligations. According to Sangakkara, such measures are essential for the health of the league. When players treat their IPL contracts with the required seriousness, it benefits every franchise and strengthens the competitive balance of the tournament. The former batting icon reiterated that discipline must be the foundation of the league if it is to continue its trajectory as the world’s premier T20 competition.
As the 2026 season concludes, the focus now shifts toward whether these regulatory changes will deter future pullouts and ensure that teams receive the talent they invest in. For the Rajasthan Royals, the focus remains on building a squad that is not only talented but also reliable, ensuring that future campaigns are not disrupted by mid-season availability issues.
