Fast-tracked into the senior national T20 side for the upcoming tour of Ireland and England, 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to use a separate dressing room from his teammates because of safeguarding rules in the United Kingdom, according to a report by The Guardian.
The teenage sensation, who recently became the youngest player ever selected in India’s senior men’s team, will still be allowed to attend team meetings and remain in the dressing room during matches. However, when changing, he will either have to use a separate room or do so at a designated time before the rest of the squad.
The same arrangements will be in place for India’s two T20Is against Ireland in Belfast. At the Civil Service Cricket Ground in Stormont, the Indian team has reportedly been allocated three dressing rooms and has been informed about the regulations concerning under-16 players.
These measures are part of safeguarding protocols followed in England for players below the age of 16. Similar rules have previously applied in football, with Arsenal youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman using separate changing facilities while featuring for the club’s first team before turning 16.
Confirming the rule, an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) spokesperson said that safeguarding measures would be in effect throughout the tour.
“This is an ICC event, with their safeguarding procedures active as they have jurisdiction,” the spokesperson said.
“The Cricket Regulator is in contact with the Team Liaison Officer (TLO) for the Indian team to discuss requirements and expectations for the player while he is in the UK. Each County Safeguarding Officer for the relevant cricket venue is also working closely with the Team Liaison Officer to ensure venue protocols and arrangements are understood and adhered to.”
“It is our understanding that the player’s parents will be travelling with him at all times. They are staying in the same hotel, which is outside of usual protocol, but agreed on this occasion due to his age,” the spokesperson added.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had earlier confirmed that Sooryavanshi’s parents would travel with him, with the board covering the expenses.
Despite his age, Sooryavanshi is already familiar with senior dressing-room environments, having represented his stateside in domestic cricket, Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and India A in the recent tri-series in Sri Lanka.
If he features against Ireland or England, Sooryavanshi will become the youngest player to make his debut for India’s men’s team, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of 16 years and 205 days.
India begin their tour with two T20Is against Ireland in Belfast on June 26 and 28 before travelling to England for a five-match T20I series followed by three ODIs. The T20Is in the England leg of the tour are in Chester-le-Street (July 1), Manchester (July 4), Nottingham (July 7), Bristol (July 9) and Southampton (July 11).