Activist questions legality of minor playing IPL, threatens FIR against Rajasthan Royals
New Delhi
A controversy has erupted in the Indian Premier League 2026 after a social activist threatened legal action against Rajasthan Royals over the participation of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, raising concerns over alleged “child labour”.
Activist CM Shivakumar Nayak has warned of filing a First Information Report (FIR) against the IPL Governing Council, questioning how a 15-year-old has been allowed to compete in one of the world’s biggest cricket leagues. Nayak claimed the young cricketer was being “exploited” and should instead prioritise his education.
“This is nothing but child labour. How can a minor be made to play in such a high-pressure professional league?” Nayak said, adding that he would pursue legal remedies against the franchise.
However, the legal position appears more nuanced. Under Indian law, while children below 14 are prohibited from working in most sectors, adolescents aged 14 to 18 are permitted to engage in non-hazardous activities under regulated conditions. Sports, including professional cricket, are generally exempt from the definition of hazardous occupations, allowing young athletes to participate with appropriate safeguards.
Despite the controversy, Sooryavanshi’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. The left-handed batter has taken the tournament by storm with his explosive stroke play, recently smashing a blistering 36-ball century against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The knock, featuring 12 sixes and five boundaries, made him one of the fastest centurions in IPL history.
He has also etched his name in the record books as the youngest player to reach 1,000 runs in T20 cricket, achieving the milestone in just 473 balls. His fearless batting has seen him dominate top bowlers including Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult and Josh Hazlewood.
Adding to his growing profile, Sooryavanshi has reportedly been shortlisted among probables for India’s upcoming T20I tour of Ireland.
While the legal debate continues, the young prodigy’s performances have already made him one of the most talked-about figures of IPL 2026, sparking both admiration and scrutiny in equal measure.
