15-yr-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi in IPL: Activist alleges ‘child labour’
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Bengaluru: A controversy has erupted around teenage cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi, with a Karnataka-based activist targeting both the player and his franchise, Rajasthan Royals, with allegations of child labour. The activist, identified as Jagadeesh, has threatened legal action, claiming that the 15-year-old is being made to play professional cricket at the cost of his education and overall development.
The remarks were made during a television debate, the video of which has since gone viral on social media. Jagadeesh argued that exposing a minor to the intense pressure and competitive environment of the Indian Premier League could negatively impact his mental growth and academic life. He has called for the Labour Commissioner to take cognisance of the matter and initiate an inquiry into what he described as a violation of child rights and anti-child labour laws.
According to him, Suryavanshi, being only 15, should be in school rather than participating in a high-profile professional league. He maintained that allowing a minor to compete at such a level sets a problematic precedent for other children. He also indicated that he would file a formal complaint against the Rajasthan Royals management, accusing the franchise of exploiting a minor under the guise of professional sport.
Despite the controversy, Suryavanshi’s on-field performance has been exceptional this season. In 10 IPL matches, he has scored 404 runs, including a century and two half-centuries, establishing himself as one of the most talked-about young players in the tournament. He was bought by Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.10 crore ahead of the 2025 season, becoming one of the youngest players ever to be picked in the IPL auction and to feature in the league.
His rapid rise has also sparked calls for his inclusion in the Indian national team, with speculation that he could make his debut during the upcoming Ireland series in June. However, selectors face stiff competition in the opening slot, with players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Priyansh Arya already in strong contention, complicating any immediate elevation.