‘Disappointing’ – Sangakkara on Sam Curran turning out for Surrey with IPL still – Kumar Sangakkara Criticizes Sam Curran Over IPL Absence
The Controversy Surrounding Sam Curran’s IPL Withdrawal
The conclusion of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season has brought more than just the results of the final matches to the forefront. Rajasthan Royals (RR) head coach Kumar Sangakkara has publicly expressed his disappointment regarding the absence of star allrounder Sam Curran. Curran, who had been a significant acquisition for the Royals, withdrew from the tournament citing a groin injury, yet he recently made a return to competitive cricket for Surrey in the Vitality Blast.
The Discrepancy in Injury Reports
The core of the issue lies in the communication between the player and the franchise. According to Sangakkara, the team was under the impression that Curran was dealing with a ‘season-ending injury.’ This understanding was based on the information provided when Curran withdrew from the IPL, with news of his exit becoming public on March 19, 2026. However, Sangakkara noted that he witnessed Curran representing Surrey in the Vitality Blast on May 22, just as the IPL season was drawing to its conclusion.
Sangakkara remarked at a press conference following RR’s exit in Qualifier 2, ‘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. We would have loved to have had him here playing for us.’
The Impact on Team Dynamics and Replacements
The loss of a player of Curran’s caliber forced the Rajasthan Royals to scramble for a replacement. The franchise eventually brought in Dasun Shanaka on March 23. This move resulted in unforeseen professional consequences for the Sri Lankan player, who had to withdraw from his deal with the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), leading to a one-year ban from that tournament for him. The ripple effect of Curran’s unavailability highlights the logistical complexities franchises face when roster changes occur mid-season.
Curran, for his part, had previously stated that he had been managing the groin issue throughout the T20 World Cup. He noted in British media that the injury had worsened, showing ‘reasonable damage’ on scans, which compelled him to make the difficult decision to withdraw to prevent further long-term harm.
The BCCI’s Stance and Future Policy
The recurring issue of overseas players opting out of IPL commitments after being selected has been a point of contention for years. In response to these challenges, the BCCI announced a strict policy in September 2024, imposing a two-year ban on players who withdraw from the tournament after being picked at the auction. Sangakkara fully supports this firm approach.
‘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.’
The Value of Commitment
Beyond the technicalities of the injury, Sangakkara highlighted the importance of a player’s presence within the team environment, even if they aren’t on the field. He pointed to players like Adam Milne, Shimron Hetmyer, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Kwena Maphaka as examples of professionals who remained with the team, practiced, and supported the squad throughout the journey.
For the Royals head coach, the issue is as much about professional integrity as it is about physical availability. While he acknowledged that it is ultimately up to the individual to manage their health, he emphasized that for the IPL to maintain its high standards, contractual obligations must be treated with the utmost seriousness. As the league continues to grow, ensuring that all stakeholders—players and franchises alike—adhere to their agreements remains essential for the continued success and credibility of the competition.
