Kumar Sangakkara accuses Sam Curran and ECB of betraying Rajasthan Royals in cru – Kumar Sangakkara Criticizes Sam Curran Over IPL 2026 Absence

A Cloud of Controversy Over IPL Player Availability

The conclusion of the IPL 2026 season for the Rajasthan Royals has brought more than just the disappointment of a tournament exit. Following their defeat to the Gujarat Titans in the second Qualifier in New Chandigarh, RR Head Coach and Director of Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, did not hold back when addressing the media regarding the absence of star all-rounder Sam Curran.

Curran, who joined the Royals in a high-profile trade deal involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson, was ruled out of the IPL 2026 season before the first ball was bowled, citing a groin injury. However, the situation took a sour turn when the English international was observed participating in the T20 Blast for his home county, Surrey, at the exact time his IPL franchise was battling for a spot in the final.

Sangakkara Questions Commitment and Integrity

The Rajasthan Royals camp was left frustrated as their campaign for a second title came to an end. While the team was fighting hard on the field, images and reports emerged of Curran in action for Surrey against Hampshire. Sangakkara expressed clear disappointment, noting that the information provided to the franchise regarding the player’s fitness did not align with his actual activity on the field.

“We were told that Sam Curran had a season-ending injury, but I think I saw him playing for Surrey for two or three games now, so that was disappointing,” Sangakkara remarked during the post-match press conference. He emphasized that the team would have greatly benefited from his presence, especially given the high stakes of the playoffs.

The Call for Stricter BCCI Policies

Beyond the individual case of Curran, Sangakkara highlighted a broader systemic issue within the sport. He argued that the BCCI must enforce a more rigorous policy regarding player availability to ensure that contractual obligations are respected. For the Royals, the loss of a marquee player like Curran forced them to sign Dasun Shanaka as a replacement, a move that changed the team’s planned composition.

“A proper, tight policy around that is always a requirement,” Sangakkara noted. “The BCCI has a strict policy on that. Every player goes through injuries, and if it’s a serious injury, a season-ending injury, of course, we understand.” However, he pointed out the disparity between players who prioritize their domestic commitments and those who fully invest in their IPL franchise, citing the dedication of other players in the squad who stayed with the team even when they weren’t in the playing XI.

Team Culture and Loyalty

Sangakkara took the opportunity to commend the members of his squad who stayed committed to the team’s cause, even in limited roles. “We’ve had quite a few injuries. We’ve also had players like Adam Milne and Hetmyer, who’ve come here and not had much of a game. Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Kwenna Maphaka are others who have 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 on this journey.”

The veteran coach concluded by suggesting that the individual player’s willingness to commit is paramount. He believes that the BCCI’s current, stricter policies—which include a potential two-year ban for players pulling out of the tournament for non-injury reasons—are a step in the right direction. “I think the BCCI policy around it is very strict now, and that’s the way it should continue to be, to make sure that contractual obligations are met properly and genuinely. I think every side in the IPL will benefit from that,” he added.

Looking Ahead

As the IPL 2026 season reaches its conclusion with the Gujarat Titans set to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final at Ahmedabad, the debate sparked by Sangakkara serves as a reminder of the challenges franchises face in managing international player availability. Whether this leads to further regulation or a shift in player conduct remains to be seen, but the frustration felt by the Rajasthan Royals management is a clear indication that the current status quo remains a point of contention in modern T20 cricket.