teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi Has been in the headlines for many controversies, ranging from allegations of being unprofessional to bizarre claims of using an AI-enabled chip in his bat to score runs. Now he has once again drawn attention towards a new issue.
The latest controversy erupted when Karnataka-based social activist CM Shivkumar Nayak threatened to file an FIR against his IPL team Rajasthan Royals over child labor allegations. Speaking during a debate on a Kannada news channel, Nayak claimed that Suryavanshi is still a minor and is being exploited.
“This 15-year-old boy Vaibhav Suryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals is being exploited. He is just a kid, only 15 years old, and they have brought him to IPL to play professional cricket. This is nothing but child labour. How can they let a minor boy play in such a big league? He should focus on his studies, go to school and complete his education instead of playing cricket at this young age,” Nayak was quoted as saying by Republic World.
The activist further argued that Suryavanshi's playing in the league sets a very bad example for other children, suggesting that it could encourage early professional pressure and potential exploitation in the game. Despite the controversy, Suryavanshi's performance on the field has been remarkable. He is currently the fourth-highest run-scorer in IPL 2026, with 404 runs at an impressive average of 40.40 and strike rate of 237.65.
Nayak said, “I strongly condemn this and will file a police complaint or legal case against Rajasthan Royals management for violating child rights and child labor laws. Don't let this boy play IPL cricket, this is child labour, he should study.”
Suryavanshi, resident of Samastipur, has performed brilliantly in the IPL. He was bought by RR for ₹1.10 crore during the IPL 2025 auction, becoming the youngest player to earn an IPL contract at just 13 years of age. He debuted against Lucknow Super Giants on April 19, 2025 at the age of 14 years and 23 days, creating another record as the youngest debutant in IPL history. Retained by RR ahead of IPL 2026, Suryavanshi now earns ₹7.5 lakh per match under the match fee structure introduced by the BCCI from the 2025 season.
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