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

The IPL 2026 Controversy Unfolds

The conclusion of the IPL 2026 season has brought with it more than just the excitement of the final between the Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. A shadow of controversy has emerged, involving Rajasthan Royals (RR) head coach and director of cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, and English all-rounder Sam Curran. The veteran coach has publicly questioned the commitment of the player, who was initially ruled out of the IPL season due to a groin injury, only to be spotted participating in domestic cricket in England shortly thereafter.

A Frustrating Turn of Events for Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals had high hopes for their IPL 2026 campaign, but those aspirations were effectively halted following a defeat to the Gujarat Titans in the second Qualifier held in New Chandigarh. As the team reflected on their season, the absence of key personnel, particularly Sam Curran, became a focal point of discussion. Curran, who had joined the Royals in a high-profile trade deal involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson, was expected to be a cornerstone of the franchise’s strategy.

Before the season commenced, the team was informed that Curran would be unavailable due to a season-ending groin injury. In response, the franchise moved quickly to recruit Sri Lankan star Dasun Shanaka as a replacement. However, the optics shifted dramatically when Curran was observed representing his home county, Surrey, in the T20 Blast, even as the Royals were battling through the high-stakes playoff stages of the IPL.

Sangakkara Calls for Policy Reform

Addressing the media after the team’s exit, an visibly disappointed Kumar Sangakkara did not hold back his criticism regarding the situation. ‘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 stated. The coach emphasized that while the team would have preferred to have his services, the lack of transparency regarding his fitness status was difficult to reconcile.

The incident has reignited the debate surrounding player availability and the enforcement of contractual obligations. Sangakkara advocated for more stringent oversight from the BCCI, arguing that while genuine injuries are understandable, the integrity of the IPL must be protected. ‘A proper, tight policy around that is always a requirement. 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,’ he remarked.

Commitment and Team Culture

Sangakkara took the opportunity to highlight the dedication of other players within the Rajasthan Royals squad who remained committed despite limited playing time. He cited the examples of Adam Milne, Shimron Hetmyer, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Kwenna Maphaka as individuals who honored their contracts. ‘They’ve been here, they’ve done the hard yards. They’ve practised. 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 coach added.

The veteran coach stressed that it is ultimately up to the individual player to manage their commitments, but the broader impact on the franchise cannot be overlooked. The BCCI has recently implemented a policy stipulating that players who withdraw from the tournament for reasons other than verified injuries could face a two-year ban from the competition. Sangakkara believes that rigorous enforcement of such rules is essential to ensure that contractual obligations are met ‘properly and genuinely’ across all IPL franchises.

Looking Forward

As the IPL 2026 season reaches its crescendo in Ahmedabad, the discussions regarding player availability will likely continue to evolve. For the Rajasthan Royals, the focus will now shift to reflecting on the season’s challenges and planning for the future. Meanwhile, the incident involving Curran serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in balancing international commitments, domestic league obligations, and the physical toll of professional cricket. Whether the BCCI decides to investigate this specific situation remains to be seen, but the clear message from the Royals’ camp is that accountability must remain at the forefront of the game.