A fresh controversy has erupted in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after a social activist threatened legal action against Rajasthan Royals for fielding teenage cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling his participation “child labour”.
The issue surfaced when activist CM Shivakumar Nayak announced plans to file a police complaint, arguing that the 15-year-old’s involvement in professional cricket violates child rights laws. His remarks came during a televised debate on a Kannada news channel.
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“This 15-year-old boy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from Rajasthan Royals is being exploited. He is just a child, only 15 years old, and they have brought him into the IPL to play professional cricket. This is nothing but child labour. How can they make a minor boy play in such a big league like this? He should be focusing on his studies, going to school and completing his education instead of playing cricket at this tender age,” Nayak said.
Allegations trigger public backlash
Nayak further warned that the situation could set a harmful precedent. “I strongly condemn this and I will be filing a police complaint or legal case against the Rajasthan Royals management for violating child rights and child labour laws. Don’t let this boy play IPL cricket, it’s child labour, he should study,” he added.
However, his comments quickly sparked backlash online. Many users pointed to historical examples, particularly Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted internationally at 16 and went on to become one of the sport’s greatest players.
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Critics also questioned the consistency of such claims. Several argued that young actors and reality show contestants do not face similar scrutiny. Others highlighted India’s structured youth cricket system, including Under-19 teams, which regularly groom teenage talent for elite competition.
Social media reactions ranged from sarcastic to critical. One user joked that Nayak was acting as if Rajasthan Royals had “opened a factory instead of a cricket academy.” Another remarked that IPL teenagers “give bowling tuition” rather than doing homework, underscoring the competitive nature of modern cricket pathways.
Record-breaking rise fuels debate
Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise has added fuel to the debate. The youngster, who hails from Bihar’s Samastipur district, made headlines during the IPL 2025 auction. At just 13, he became the youngest player ever signed in league history after securing a 1.10 crore (indian rupees) deal with Rajasthan Royals.
He later made his debut on April 19, 2025 against Lucknow Super Giants. At 14 years and 23 days, he became the youngest debutant in IPL history.
The franchise retained him for the 2026 season. Under the updated BCCI match fee structure, he now earns 7.5 lakh per game, reflecting his growing value despite his age.
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Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals continue to perform strongly in the current season. The team sits fourth on the IPL 2026 points table with six wins and four losses. It will face Gujarat Titans on May 9 in a crucial fixture.
The controversy highlights a broader tension between early talent development and legal frameworks governing minors. While Indian cricket has long nurtured young prodigies, the latest episode raises questions about where to draw the line between opportunity and exploitation.
