The meteoric rise of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in Indian Premier League 2026 has taken an unexpected turn, with a legal controversy threatening to overshadow his on-field brilliance.
Social activist CM Shivakumar Nayak has announced his intention to file an FIR against Rajasthan Royals, alleging that the franchise’s use of a minor in a high-pressure, commercial tournament amounts to child labour.
Calling it “child labour and exploitation under the guise of sport,” Nayak questioned the ethics of allowing a 15-year-old to compete in a multi-million-dollar league.
“A 15-year-old belongs in a classroom or a structured development setup, not in a commercial environment where millions are at stake,” he said. “By fielding him, the franchise is prioritising publicity and profits over the legal protections afforded to children. I will be lodging a formal FIR to ensure the law is upheld.”
The development comes at a time when Sooryavanshi is one of the standout performers of the season. The young left-hander has scored 404 runs in 10 matches, including a century and two half-centuries, earning widespread praise for his fearless batting. His performances have even drawn comparisons with a young MS Dhoni.
However, the issue has sparked a wider debate around the Indian Contract Act of 1872 and the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act. Legal experts remain divided on whether a minor can legally participate in professional sports contracts with parental consent, and whether such engagements fall under labour laws.
So far, neither the Board of Control for Cricket in India nor Rajasthan Royals have issued an official statement. While there is no restriction yet on the youngster’s participation, the possibility of a police investigation and legal challenges has raised questions over his immediate future in the tournament.
Despite the controversy, much of the cricket fraternity has backed the young cricketer, pointing out that prodigies in sports and entertainment often begin their professional journeys at a similar age.
If the FIR is registered, the case could evolve into a landmark legal battle, potentially reshaping how young talent is identified and contracted in Indian sport. For now, fans and the cricketing community will be watching closely, hoping that the off-field developments do not derail the remarkable season of one of India’s brightest young prospects.
