Hyderabad :Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is yet to make his international debut, but the 15-year-old has already become the centre of attention during India’s tour of Ireland and England. Interestingly, the spotlight is not on his batting exploits but on a unique safeguarding law in the United Kingdom that requires him to use a separate dressing room from the senior Indian players.
Vaibhav, who has been named in India’s squad for the T20I series against Ireland and England, is expected to make his international debut during the tour. If he takes the field, he will become the youngest cricketer to represent India in international cricket, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record of debuting at the age of 16 years and 205 days.
However, before stepping onto the field, the youngster must comply with the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) safeguarding regulations. Under the ECB’s Safeguarding Policy, players below the age of 16 are not permitted to share dressing rooms or shower facilities with adult players.
As Vaibhav is only 15 years old, he will be provided with separate changing and shower facilities throughout the tour. He will continue to participate in team meetings, practice sessions and match preparations alongside senior stars such as Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson and other members of the Indian squad. However, he can access the main dressing room only when no other players are present.
The safeguarding rule is widely followed across sports in the United Kingdom and is designed to ensure the safety and welfare of minors. Similar arrangements have been made in English football, where Arsenal previously provided separate changing facilities for youth players Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman while they were training with the senior squad before turning 16.
Meanwhile, Cricket Ireland has confirmed that special arrangements have been made for the Indian team during the tour. According to a spokesperson, the Indian squad has been allocated three separate dressing rooms at the pavilion to comply with UK safeguarding regulations.
“The Indian team has been given three separate rooms in the pavilion, and safeguarding laws have been advised. We’ll check all obligations have been met, but the BCCI will manage things in accordance with UK law. Our procedures and policies are in line with best practice in the UK,” the Cricket Ireland spokesperson said.
Despite the unusual off-field arrangement, the young prodigy remains focused on his cricket and is eager to seize the opportunity if selected, with Indian fans eagerly awaiting what could be a historic international debut.
