![Why Samson cannot leave RR [Source: AFP Photo]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1754635808382_WhySamsoncannotleave.jpg?type=mq)
Why Samson cannot leave RR [Source: AFP Photo]
Sanju Samson, the Rajasthan Royals skipper, dropped a bombshell on Thursday, as he requested the franchise to release/trade him ahead of next year's Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Reportedly, he has a long-standing dispute with the franchise regarding decision-making related to team selection and captaincy.
As per Cricbuzz, RR is not looking for an all-cash deal, but will be interested in trading a player, in case Samson decides to part ways with them. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are interested in Samson, but no official move has been made as of yet.
Despite the Kerala batter requesting a move away from RR, the ball stays in the franchise's court, not the player's.
Why Samson cannot move away from RR despite a formal request?
As per the IPL rules, once a player has signed a contract with a particular franchise, he is bound to complete a tenure of three years. Hence, it is not the player who decides where he wants to play next, but the control remains with the team - in this case, RR.
In Samson's case, he has signed a contract with RR till 2027, and still has a couple of years left. However, if RR believes that they do not need a player who doesn't want to play for them, then the franchise could either release him ahead of the mini auction, or could trade him with another player, who could be a like-for-like replacement.
CSK keeping tabs on Samson's situation
As per the Indian Express, CSK are interested in bringing Samson to their side, and the talented batter also met CSK head coach Stephen Fleming during the MLC 2025 season.
Reportedly, RR have demanded two players from CSK, in case Samson decides to join them ahead of the next season.
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.jpg?type=mq "CSK's RR Bound Players")
 (2).jpg?type=mq "Maharaja Trophy Shifted")
