‘Disappointing’ – Sangakkara on Sam Curran turning out for Surrey with IPL still – Kumar Sangakkara Expresses Disappointment Over Sam Curran’s IPL Absence
A Complex Situation Unfolds
The conclusion of the IPL 2026 season for the Rajasthan Royals has brought a lingering issue to the forefront: the availability and commitment of international stars. Head coach Kumar Sangakkara recently expressed his disappointment regarding the absence of allrounder Sam Curran, who missed the entirety of the IPL campaign citing a persistent groin injury.
The Timeline of the Disagreement
The friction stems from the timeline surrounding Curran’s withdrawal. The England allrounder, who was set to represent the Rajasthan Royals after a high-profile trade, pulled out of the tournament on March 19. At the time, the communication provided to the franchise suggested a ‘season-ending’ injury, a claim supported by Curran’s own public comments about managing a troublesome groin issue that had been exacerbated during the T20 World Cup earlier this year.
However, the narrative shifted significantly when Curran was seen representing Surrey in the men’s Vitality Blast on May 22. This rapid return to competitive cricket—where Curran emerged as Surrey’s top run-scorer in his first three innings—did not go unnoticed by the Rajasthan camp. Sangakkara, addressing the media following the Royals’ exit in Qualifier 2, did not mince words regarding the situation.
Sangakkara’s Perspective on Commitment
“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 noted. The head coach emphasized that the team would have valued Curran’s presence in the squad regardless of his immediate ability to bowl, highlighting the cultural importance of having players integrate with the setup.
To illustrate his point, Sangakkara highlighted the dedication of other overseas players in the squad, such as Adam Milne, Shimron Hetmyer, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Kwena Maphaka. These players remained with the team, participated in practice sessions, and supported their teammates from the sidelines despite limited opportunities on the field. This team-first mentality is what the franchise values, and it stood in stark contrast to the circumstances surrounding Curran’s absence.
The Broader Impact and Replacement Issues
The uncertainty surrounding Curran’s status created a ripple effect for the Rajasthan Royals. Following the notification of his injury, the team scrambled to sign Dasun Shanaka as a replacement on March 23. This move resulted in unforeseen professional consequences for Shanaka, who had to withdraw from an existing contract with the Lahore Qalandars in the PSL, eventually resulting in a one-year ban from that tournament. The logistical and personal strain caused by these late-stage changes underscores why franchises are so focused on the veracity of injury claims.
BCCI Policy and Future Expectations
The incident has reignited the conversation regarding the enforcement of contractual obligations in the IPL. In September 2024, the BCCI implemented a strict two-year ban policy for players who withdraw from the tournament after being selected in the auction. Sangakkara expressed support for such measures, noting that a firm policy is essential to protect 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 explained. “Injuries, every person goes through injuries, and if it’s a serious injury, a season ending injury, of course we understand.”
Ultimately, the Rajasthan Royals’ management believes that maintaining the sanctity of contracts is paramount. While individual health remains a priority, the expectation for professional athletes remains centered on transparency and honoring commitments to their franchises. As the IPL continues to grow as a global cricketing powerhouse, the enforcement of these policies will likely remain a crucial component of player-franchise relations.
